The Legislative Yuan has approved a draft amendment of a few sections of the "Immigration Act" in an effort to draw talented foreigners to Taiwan. People who will make special contributions to Taiwan in the future, senior professionals required by Taiwan, winners in various professions, spouses of investment immigration candidates, kids under 18, kids who can't take care of themselves because of physical or mental disabilities, etc. can apply for legal permanent residency.
The Executive Yuan approved an amendment to the law that allows a foreign talent's spouse and children to jointly petition for permanent residency.Photo provided by National Immigration Agency
It was initially required that foreigners who applied for residency must stay in Taiwan for 183 days every year in order to allow foreigners who come to Taiwan having enough time to choose a place to live and acquaint themselves with the surroundings. Within five years following the modification, it was adjusted to an average of 183 days annually. The period for requesting an alien residence permit after entering the country for foreign nationals who have secured a residence permit has also been increased from 15 to 30 days.
In addition to being exempt from applying for an entry permit, nationals without household registration who enter the country with a Taiwan passport have a legal continuous stay reduced from more than 7 years to more than 5 years. If they stay in the country for more than 183 days per year, they can apply for residence. The age restriction for applying for settlement has also been lifted, allowing children born abroad to enter the nation with a passport and apply for settlement directly.
Foreign spouses who are widowed, or foreign spouses who have previously lived lawfully in Taiwan, have custody of young children, or regularly see and interact with each other, may petition for residency after visiting the nation on a stay visa in order to advance human rights. Additionally, foreign spouses who have been divorced as a result of domestic abuse and who have not remarried will not have their residence cards withdrawn. This is done to defend their ability to remain in the country.
Read more: Overstayers self-report for reduced penalty! Let NIA help you home!
The Executive Yuan approved an amendment to the law that allows a foreign talent's spouse and children to jointly petition for permanent residency.Photo provided by National Immigration Agency
Criminal sanctions are also included as a result of the legislation amendment. A fixed-term jail sentence of more than one year and less than seven years, or a fine of less than one million NTD, may be imposed on foreigners or domestic residents who enter the country unlawfully. Travelers who use fake or fraudulent passports or other travel papers may face fines of up to NT$90,000 or up to three years in jail. Additionally, if one shelter or conceal someone who has overstayed might face a punishment of between NT$60,000 and NT$300,000. Foreigners working in the media who participate in activities that do not support their stay and residency will be penalized between NT$200,000 and 1 million NTD.
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