US$550, with the provision that it be reviewed and adjusted at least annually by the authorities. The regulations also revised the previous methods of salary payment. Article 30 stipulates that wages must be fully paid directly to the foreign crew members. It prohibits vessel operators from using foreign intermediary agencies to transfer wages on their behalf or withholding wages under reasons such as savings, custody, or other justifications. This ensures foreign crew members receive their wages without deductions or delays. (1) Minimum wage The monthly minimum wage of US$550 for migrant distant-water fishermen differs significantly from the wages of coastal and inshore fishermen employed under the Labor Standards Act. Scholars and civil society groups have repeatedly questioned whether distinguishing between distant water and coastal fishers regarding labor protection is reasonable, given that both perform similar work. The Director of the Migrant Workers Office of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, also highlighted this discriminatory wage disparity. “Distant water fishers face greater risks at sea than coastal fishers, whose work involves much lower risks, yet their wage is higher—around US$800 or more. While the wage of distant water fishers has been raised to US$550, the gap remains significant. Isn’t this formalized discrimination in this field of employment?”48 Lin Ding-rong responded to the wage disparity between distant water and coastal fishers, acknowledging the issue and stating that improving labor conditions has been a key focus of reforms. He explained, “After preliminary analysis, we found that the wage structures for migrant fishers in distant water and coastal fisheries are fundamentally different. For NHRC (February 14, 2023). “Actions and Dialogues of Stakeholders on the Human Rights Issues of Foreign Fishers,” Record of Taipei Session. 48 53