If passed, the changes would be another blow to Taiwan’s image as a haven for dissidents and critics of Beijing. The Mainland Affairs Council did not confirm whether the proposed changes would go ahead.īut a spokesperson said the government “will continue to make overall assessments” of the issue, including the national security situation, given “the rapid changes in the situation in Hong Kong and Macau”.
Those eligible for fast-track residency include migrants with family links to Taiwan and those who have “contributed to efforts to promote its policies and objectives toward Hong Kong and Macao”, which can include democracy protesters and political exiles.
Under the current rules, certain migrants from Hong Kong and Macau can qualify for permanent residency more easily than other foreign nationals, which are required to have five years of residency. The newspaper, which is associated with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, said Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council – which oversees the island’s policies on Hong Kong and fellow Chinese territory Macau – was considering raising the residency period from one to four years, citing an unnamed government official. Taiwan’s Liberty Times earlier this month reported that Hong Kongers may be required to have lived on the island for longer to qualify for permanent residency amid concerns the current rules could be exploited by Chinese spies.
Taipei, Taiwan – Hong Kong activists and political exiles may soon find it harder to stay in Taiwan long-term if reported plans to shake up residency requirements move forward.
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