The Executive Yuan passed several revisions to the Immigration Act April 28, making it easier for foreigners to work and live in Taiwan.
“Talented foreigners will be more likely to stay in Taiwan if immigration regulations are relaxed,” said ROC Premier Wu Den-yih.
Under the current system, foreigners intending to work in Taiwan are required to submit four applications to four government agencies. The new rules would streamline the process so that they would only have to apply to one government agency for an all-purpose Employment Pass Card.
The revised regulations would also make things easier for foreign children of ROC citizens. At the moment, these children are automatically given residency permits, but only up to the age of 20. The proposed changes would do away with age limits.
Besides helping attract more foreign talent, the proposed changes are expected to help reverse Taiwan’s declining birth rate, Wu said. “The government hopes to raise the fertility rate by encouraging more foreigners to move and have families here.”
The amendments will now be sent to the Legislature for review, Wu said. (HZW)