The National Kaohsiung Normal University Southeast Asian and South Asian Studies Center announced the results of the 2024 National Top 10 New Resident Major News Poll on 2024 December 27. Initiator You Yingfu pointed out that although the "New Resident Basic Act" has passed its third reading, due to the lack of an organizational law, related supporting measures are still incomplete, impacting the effectiveness of the bill's implementation. He stressed the need to expedite the implementation of supporting policies.
Before the meeting, You Yingfu emphasized that this activity has continued for many years, aiming to raise social awareness of new resident issues and promote their integration into Taiwanese society. Although media reports present diverse perspectives, there are still instances of stigmatization of new residents in society.
This year's top ten news selections include: "Surge in Missing Migrant Workers: Migrant Workers are the Backbone of Taiwan's Economy; avoid stigmatizing the Entire Group"; "The Legislative Yuan passed the New Resident Special Act in its third reading"; and "The New Resident Long-Term Care Policy is marginalized, a seven-language infographic calls on the government to provide translation services," etc. You Yingfu stated that although the New Resident Basic Act and the Nationality Act have been amended, the implementation of the Basic Act is still facing insufficient systems and supporting measures, and no dedicated agency or foundation has been established, further impacting the effectiveness of the policies.
Li Cuoyu, Dean of the College of Literature at Kaohsiung Normal University, pointed out that new residents play an important role in Taiwan, but there are still prejudices and stigmatization against them in society. She called on the media to increase the visibility of new residents and promote their integration with Taiwanese society.
Guo Shumei, director of the Nan-Gaoxiong Family Welfare Center, noted that new resident families account for a significant portion of the families served by the Family Welfare Center, especially single-parent families. Many new residents come to Taiwan seeking a better life, but they face more difficulties and burdens.
This event was organized by the National Kaohsiung Normal University Southeast Asian and South Asian Studies Center and the Nan-Gaoxiong Family Welfare Center. They selected over 60 news stories from hundreds and then nine judges chose the top 20, which were then weighted to determine the top 10 major news stories. The judges focused on issues including multicultural integration, policy and legislation, and the positive image of new residents and migrant workers.
2024 Top 10 New Immigrant News Selection (Image credit: Central News Agency, photographed by reporter Lin Qiaolian)
You Yingfu stressed that the core purpose of this activity is to raise social awareness of new residents' contributions and needs and to break down negative stereotypes. Li Cuoyu also said that the media should actively report on the positive stories of new residents to promote social inclusivity and integration.
The policy progress of new resident issues in 2024, especially the new second-generation empowerment plan, demonstrates Taiwan's achievements in promoting new resident integration, but further strengthening educational resources and social welfare is still needed to ensure that new residents can fully integrate into society.
This year's top 10 news poll reflects Taiwan's concern and support for new residents and also shows that new residents have become an important force for stability and development in Taiwan.
