TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council said Friday that all government employees must notify and register before traveling to Hong Kong or Macau.
MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) said the new rules, approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, have taken effect, per CNA. There will be a grace period until June 30, 2026, during which no penalties will be imposed.
The regulations apply to all staff, whether traveling on workdays, holidays, or for personal reasons. Employees must inform their agencies and complete registration in the personnel system before departure.
If they plan to meet or contact “designated individuals” in Hong Kong or Macau, they must also report this in advance to both their agency and MAC. Asked what constitutes a designated individual, Liang said it includes two categories: those holding official positions or public service posts in the two cities and “suspicious persons.”
He said that Hong Kong and Macau are hubs for intelligence and national security operations, where people may pose as business or foundation leaders to approach Taiwanese officials. Civil servants should remain alert and proactively report such encounters.
Liang also reminded personnel that even airport transits in Hong Kong or Macau require prior notification. If unexpected circumstances prevent advance reporting, cases will be reviewed individually.
Liang said that while the rules are already in effect, the Cabinet’s Directorate-General of Personnel Administration will draft disciplinary guidelines for agencies to follow. Penalties will vary based on the severity of violations.
These measures will be formally enforced starting July 1, 2026. From that date, employees who fail to comply will face disciplinary action.
