MOI Minister Liu Shyh-fang (back, center) joins other participants in giving the thumbs up at the 2024 Migrants Day celebration Dec. 8 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of MOI)
 

The 2024 Migrants Day was organized Dec. 8 in Taipei City by the Ministry of the Interior’s National Immigration Agency and Taipei City Government in recognition of the critical role foreign residents play in Taiwan’s economy and society.

Over 300 international residents were invited to join a festive costume parade infused with elements of their respective cultures, offering locals deeper insight into the customs and traditions of Taiwan’s new immigrant community, the MOI said, adding that the government designated Dec. 18 Migrants Day in 2011 in line with the international U.N. holiday celebrating migrants’ contributions held on the same date.

Speaking at the event, MOI Minister Liu Shyh-fang said that the number of foreign nationals who have immigrated to Taiwan through marriage now exceeds 600,000, in addition to the several hundred thousand foreign residents who work, study or do business in Taiwan.

President Lai Ching-te’s announcement of the New Immigrants Basic Act in August marked a milestone in domestic immigration policy with the law’s enhanced protection of multiculturalism and immigrants’ fundamental rights and interests, Liu said. A raft of measures have been implemented to help naturalized citizens adapt to their new lives, including a dream building project for parents and children and radio programs providing dedicated support, she added.

The minister concluded by vowing to continue working with other ministries and civil organizations to formulate policies and services meeting the needs of new residents. (POC-E)