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In recent years, the social structure has changed, and Taiwan’s marriage market is gradually opened for individuals to choose their partners, and transnational marriages have become more common nowadays. This is especially true for spouses from Southeast Asian countries, forming a large community group in Taiwan.
At the same time, some private agencies have posted "marriage notices" through the Facebook community. In this regard, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) reminds the public that according to the "Immigration Act", dissemination or publication of cross-border marriage matching advertisements will be fined more than NT$100,000 regardless of whether the posters charge agency fees.
In this episode of "New Immigrants in Taiwan" Podcast unit, 4wayvoice &【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】invited the Senior Executive Officer of NIA, Lin Wen Lang (林文郎), to share about the Immigration Act.
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The Senior Executive Officer of NIA, Lin Wen Lang (林文郎), was invited to share about the Immigration Act. (Photo / Retrieved from the 4wayvoice)
Lin said that the materials used by agencies to promote transnational marriages will be fined regardless of their forms such as advertising leaflets, Facebook clubs, Instagram, etc.
People are urged not to trust the Facebook community's advertisements or search the relevant information on the website, avoiding potential disputes. People who need more detailed information can check the official website of the NIA. Currently, there are 31 legal "non-profit" marriage-matching agencies in Taiwan. The NIA also regularly evaluates these marriage-matching agencies every year to ensure the quality of services provided.
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Cross-border matchmaking is not allowed to require "remuneration". (Photo / Retrieved from the 4wayvoice)
In addition, according to the "Immigration Act", cross-border matchmaking is not allowed to require "remuneration" (commonly known as matchmaking red envelopes). The matchmaking agencies must be non-profit, so it is not allowed to request agency fees from the couple before marriage.
At the same time, Lin also shared a case he encountered. Many years ago, he introduced one of his wife’s foreign friends to his cousin. After the two getting along, they walked down the aisle, and then they were congratulated them with dinner. After all, matchmaking must be based on good intention. It is hoped that each matchmaking enables the couple to have a blessing & long-lasting relationship and even a wonderful marriage.
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The public can check on the "legal marriage agencies" on the official website of NIA. (Photo / Provided by NIA)
With regards to transnational marriage, one must bear in mind the principle of “two musts and three more”. One must “remember” to sign a written contract with the matchmaker, must “obtain” a receipt for the payment, and must “make more inquiries” to compare legal matchmaking groups before choosing their services. Before marriage, both parties must "know more" about each other's family background, customs, and cultures, and "more communication" is needed after marriage to strengthen the support for each other so that transnational marriages will be happy and long-lasting.
If you have any doubts about transnational marriages, you can go to the "Transnational Marriage Matching Information Zone" on the website of the NIA to learn more about transnational marriages. Before that, let’s listen to "Why do we have to find a partner via legal matchmaking agencies? The Chief Secretary NIA shares about the cases of transnational marriage."
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