Goa, May 19 -- A campaign billboard in southern Taiwan has sparked controversy after depicting a "no" symbol over the Indian flag and an image of a turbaned man, prompting accusations of racial insensitivity and renewed debate on migration policy.

The advertisement was put up by Lee Hung-yi, an independent candidate in Kaohsiung's Siaogang District, who said he opposes Taiwan's plan to recruit workers from India under a 2024 labour cooperation agreement. The MoU between India and Taiwan aims to address labour shortages in manufacturing, agriculture and caregiving sectors.

While the candidate framed his message as policy opposition, the visual elements of the billboard triggered widespread criticism. Members of the Indian community and l...