Taiwan allows issuance of residence, work permit in major immigration reform

TAIPEI – In a significant reform, Taiwan is set to implement a new immigration system allowing migrant workers to concurrently apply for both residence permits and work permits.

The service would be available from January 4, 2024, as announced by the Labor Ministry and comes as a major relief to the workers.

Chen Chang-pang, the head of the Cross-Border Workforce Affairs Center at the Labor Ministry, highlighted the existing procedure under which migrant workers are required to secure an employment permit before seeking a residency permit from the National Immigration Agency (NIA).

The official emphasized the challenges faced by workers, often dependent on employers or middlemen due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with local regulations.

The drawback of the existing system is that any mistake in obtaining a residency permit could affect workers who can also face fines between NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 (US$65 to $327), along with potential deportation, Radio Taiwan reported.

In the backdrop of the existing challenges, both the Labor Ministry and NIA have collaborated to streamline the application process.

Estimates say that the reform would positively impact as many as 200,000 workers and employers annually, aiming to prevent inadvertent violations and simplify administrative hurdles for the migrant workforce.

Taiwan, situated in East Asia, is an island nation known for its vibrant culture, technological advancements, and economic prowess. With a population exceeding 23 million, it thrives as a hub for manufacturing, technology, and service industries. Renowned for its semiconductor production, Taiwan stands as a global leader in electronics manufacturing, alongside significant contributions in machinery, petrochemicals, and biotechnology sectors. Despite its relatively small size, Taiwan holds international significance, boasting a robust economy, political relevance, and pivotal regional influence, particularly in trade relations, making it an integral player in the Asian economic landscape.