After the epidemic alert was downgraded to a level 2, a lot of foreigners and new immigrants wanted to process their applications at the National Immigration Agency (NIA) Taichung City 1st Service Station. In cooperation with the Executive Yuan, a universal mobile payment policy was implemented. The public can choose whether to use cash or credit card in handling fees at the counter. During the epidemic, it is encouraged to use credit cards to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.
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The public used credit card to process their transactions. (Photo / Provided by the NIA Taichung City 1st Service Station)
Hsiao-ying from Vietnam said that it was really convenient to use a credit card to pay for his fees. He stated that he usually worries about cash transactions during the epidemic and is really glad to have this kind of service.
Currently, the NIA allows the use of Apple pay, Google pay, Samsung pay, Taiwan pay, and other e-payment options. Paying for ARC (Alien Resident Card, 居留證) can also be done through Web ATM, and the 4 major convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-life, and OK Mart).
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Director of the NIA Taichung City 1st Service Station Chou Yu-jen 周佑仁 stated that even if the nationwide epidemic alert has been downgraded, it is still safer and more convenient to process applications virtually. Foreigners and migrants can apply for ARC extensions through the online system.
