Addressing the unveiling ceremony, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin said many of the city’s landmark buildings and public facilities, including the Taipei 101 Tower and the mass rapid transit system, were completed with the assistance of many foreign laborers.

“Without their contributions, Taipei could not have developed its modern urban style so quickly. Over the years, their sweat and labor have helped enhance our city’s beauty, grandeur, breadth and depth,” Hau said, adding that the city government has built the monument to express its gratitude for all foreign workers who have sacrificed their lives in their work for Taiwan’s progress.

The monument, dedicated to commemorate all foreign workers who died from workplace accidents since 1991, is engraved with grateful words in many Asian languages that read: “These venerable workers dedicate their precious lives. They will be remembered by all city dwellers forever.”

The city government invited Buddhist monks from Thailand to perform religious rituals and an Indonesian choir from the Bread of Life Christian Church to sing hymns and pray for the souls of all deceased foreign workers at the ceremony.

The heads of representative offices of the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam were also invited to attend the monument unveiling ceremony.

They joined Hau and other city government officials in laying wreaths at the monument.

According to Hau, Taipei now have more than 36,000 foreign workers, most of whom work as caregivers or family helpers.

Only a small portion of them work in the manufacturing and construction sectors, with Thais accounting for the largest ratio of these two categories of foreign workers.

A total of 26 foreign workers have died from workplace accidents in Taipei City since 1991, city officials said, adding that the city government will step up workplace security inspection, education and publicity in order to minimize workplace deaths and injuries.

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