A total of 52 draft amendments to the Immigration Act are approved by the Executive Yuan Jan. 12. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)
 

A total of 52 draft amendments to the Immigration Act were approved by the Executive Yuan Jan. 12, spotlighting government commitment to advancing immigrants’ human rights, attracting foreign professionals to Taiwan and raising penalties for immigration-related crime.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, under the new amendments, foreign nationals with a late Taiwan spouse who have not remarried and need to come to Taiwan to visit or take care of their minor children with Taiwan nationality are eligible to apply for an alien resident certificate.

The revisions also allow foreign nationals who have divorced their Taiwan spouse due to domestic abuse and have not yet remarried to remain in Taiwan, the MOI added.

To retain foreign talent in Taiwan, the provisions extend permanent residence rights to the spouses, minor children and adult children with disabilities of foreign nationals who are high-level professionals, have won top awards, have made special contributions to Taiwan, or hold an investment visa.

The amendments also extend the period foreign nationals have to apply for an ARC after their arrival in Taiwan from 15 to 30 days, the MOI said, adding that this allows them more time to find accommodation and get settled in the country.

To enhance national security, the penalty for overstaying one’s visa will be raised from NT$2,000 (US$66)-NT$10,000 to NT$30,000-NT$150,000, while the ban on returning to Taiwan after overstaying will be extended from three years to 10, the MOI added.

In addition, anyone who helps hide or shelter foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas will be fined up to NT$300,000, the ministry said, adding that a penalty of NT$200,000 to NT$1 million will be imposed on those facilitating activities of foreign nationals that do not match the reason for entering or residing in Taiwan stated on their immigration paperwork.

According to the EY, the draft amendments will be submitted to the Legislature for review. (YCH-E)