Taipei, Nov. 9, 2012 (CENS)--To attract high-level foreign white-collar workers working in Taiwan, the Executive Yuan (the Cabinet) resolved yesterday (Nov. 8) to remove the requirement for foreigners with permanent resident certificate in Taiwan to live in the nation for at least 183 days a year. Instead, the permanent resident certificate will be revoked only after its holder has left the nation for over five years.
Meanwhile, the Executive Yuan also decided to eliminate the age restriction for offspring of ROC citizens born abroad to return to Taiwan for residence, in order to facilitate return of overseas offspring of local people for contribution to the development of the nation. In addition, cross-border marriage matchmaking institutions will be liable to a maximum fine of NT$1 million for swindling local people with irregular practice or collection of excessively high fees.
The changes are included in the draft revision of "Immigration Act", passed by the Executive Yuan yesterday. Lo Ying-hsueh, minister without portfolio, noted that the revision concerning the regulation for permanent residence complies with the international trend and facilitates the creation of a friendly environment for business management and talent solicitation, as corporate executives frequently travel around the world.
The draft of the revised act also stipulates that spouses and children before the age of majority of foreign of foreign talents can apply for permanent residence in Taiwan. The deadline for foreigners with residence permit to apply for foreign residence certificate after their entry into the nation will be extended to 30 days, from original 15 days.
Foreigners will be exempt from the need of applying for foreign residence certificate after entering the nation with certificates integrating the functions of visa, work permit, foreign residence certificate, or permit for reentry, or other certificates with the function of foreign residence certificate.
To cope with the problem of aging population and few-offspring families, offspring of local people born abroad can return to Taiwan with ROC passport and directly apply for residence in Taiwan, without any age restriction. At present, those offspring have to wait until 20 years old for applying for residence in Taiwan.
Corporate bodies and non-profit making legal entities must win the approval of the National Immigration Agency for engaging in cross-border marriage matchmaking business, according to the revised draft. Violators are liable to fines ranging NT$200,000-NT$1 million, which can collected repeatedly according to the number of violations. Without approved registration, advertisers of immigration ads will be subject to fines ranging NT$100,000-500,000.
(by Philip Liu)
