The legislature has passed an amendment to the Immigration Act that would allow more foreigners to apply for permanent residency in Taiwan. The draft passed on Tuesday.
The amendment would allow the spouses and children of certain people applying for permanent residency to also apply for residency themselves. This includes families of people who have won international competitions, are considered experts in their professional field, or have made special contributions or investments in Taiwan.
The amendment also says people applying for permanent residency only need to have resided in Taiwan for at least an average of 183 days per year over the past five years. The previous condition required foreigners to reside in Taiwan for at least 183 days every year for five years. The amendment would also make it easier for the children of Taiwanese parents born abroad to apply for Taiwanese residency.
Another clause states that foreigners who have seriously committed human rights violations are not allowed to enter Taiwan. The amendment also extends the entry ban for people who have overstayed their visa or worked illegally in Taiwan from a maximum of three years to seven years.
DPP Lawmaker Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) says loosening the requirements for permanent residency will encourage more talented foreigners to come to Taiwan. He adds that enforcing harsher sentences for people who violate the rules will also help maintain national security and a better living environment.