TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) on Sunday said that Hong Kong and Macau citizens will be able to apply for a new category of residency on the condition that they undergo an increased “national security observation period.”
Chiu said Taiwan’s residency and settlement policy for Hong Kong and Macau residents is being adjusted to include a new “long-term residency” option, per Rti. Chiu said Taiwan must raise its security threshold because China has deliberately manipulated the population structure in Hong Kong.
The minister announced the new policy during the Taipei Technology Run hosted by the Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association. Chiu and MAC Deputy Minister Shen You-chung (沈有忠) attended the event to raise public awareness about the risks of traveling to China and to promote the ministry’s registration system for Taiwanese traveling to China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Among the 17 strategies announced by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on March 13 to address national security and influence operations, one included a “long-term residency” provision for Hong Kong and Macau residents applying to reside or settle in Taiwan. Chiu said Hong Kong’s situation is constantly changing and that China is deliberately “cleansing the population.”
Therefore, Chiu said Taiwan needs to raise its security standards for various residency types and settlement applications from Hong Kong residents. Chiu said that in the future, Hong Kong residents coming to Taiwan for work can opt for a personal work visa and apply for a system similar to permanent residency available to foreign nationals, without necessarily applying for full settlement.
Chiu said that since the duration for residency and settlement can now be extended, the national security observation period has been increased to ensure better management of cross-border movement and overall safety. “So for Hongkongers, first of all, this means more choices; for Taiwanese citizens, it also means one more security guarantee,” said Chiu.
The minister said China’s infiltration and efforts to divide Taiwan are omnipresent and pervasive. The MAC is actively working on defensive measures, including strengthening security inspections and enhancing legal frameworks related to national security, to build a democratic defense mechanism to prevent the CCP from infiltrating and dividing Taiwan, said Chiu.
Chiu pointed out that there have already been over 80 reported cases of Taiwanese citizens being improperly detained or restricted in their freedom of movement while in China. He urged the public to carefully assess the risks of traveling to China and to make safety preparations, including registering on MAC’s website.
