Taiwan Strengthens Immigration Screening to Root Out Spies from Mainland China

Revision of Residency and Permanent Residency Regulations by Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council
Targeting Migrants with Experience in Chinese Political Parties and Military Service... Including Macau

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Taiwan authorities have decided to strengthen the screening of Hong Kong citizens applying for the 'Taiwan Immigration Program.' This measure aims to identify and exclude infiltrators dispatched from mainland China among the Hong Kong applicants.

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 18th (local time) that, following the enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the number of Hong Kong citizens seeking to immigrate to Taiwan has surged, prompting the authorities to tighten screening for Hong Kong residents holding mainland Chinese citizenship.

According to the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which oversees cross-strait policies, Taiwan recently revised the 'Regulations on Residency and Permanent Residency for People from Hong Kong and Macau.'

The purpose of the revision is to strengthen investigations into applicants residing in Hong Kong or Macau who hold mainland Chinese citizenship, especially those with experience working for Chinese political parties or the military.

SCMP analyzed that this revision is a measure to filter out potential spies from mainland China.

Quoting sources, SCMP reported, "Screening will be intensified for individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism, protests, subversion, or acts of treason."

SCMP stated that in the first half of this year, a total of 3,161 Hong Kong residents obtained residency in Taiwan, marking a 116% increase compared to the previous year.

SCMP also added that approximately 2,000 people apply for immigration to Taiwan every week.

Despite concerns from the United States and other Western countries, after the Chinese government enforced the Hong Kong National Security Law, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen declared her intention to actively support Hong Kong citizens immigrating to Taiwan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.