TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Defense contractor Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) said Thursday (Oct. 24) it was in the early stages of contemplating whether to employ migrant workers.

The Taichung-based company is one of Taiwan’s top weapons manufacturers. It is also active in power generation, wind energy projects, and developing and manufacturing parts for overseas aerospace groups, including Airbus, Boeing, and Bombardier. Even if AIDC decides to recruit foreign workers, they would not be employed in its defense division, the company said.

AIDC rejected concerns that using migrant workers might endanger confidential defense information, the Liberty Times reported. Personnel shortages have led to the possibility of recruiting foreign staff.

AIDC said it would still prioritize the employment of local staff. Only if not enough suitable job applicants show up, would it turn to the Ministry of Labor for permission to import workers.