Adjusted travel regulations implemented for Hong Kong and Macau by the MAC (unspecified organization)
Taiwan Strengthens Rules for Officials Visiting Hong Kong and Macau
In a move aimed at curbing Chinese influence in Taiwan and protecting its officials, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has amended rules for Taiwanese officials visiting China's special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau.
The amendments propose changes to articles 3 and 4 of the regulations, and the main points of the revised rules include the addition of mandatory reporting for non-official travel to Hong Kong or Macau, as well as for meetings or contacts with specific people from these regions.
Before embarking on a non-official visit to Hong Kong or Macau, officials will be required to file reports to the government. Similarly, they will be expected to report any meetings or contacts with individuals from these regions upon their return.
The MAC reviewed laws that took into account changes in Hong Kong and Macau, and the proposal requires candidates for public office to submit a written affidavit declaring that they do not hold household registration in China. The interior ministry has also proposed updates to the candidate registration questionnaire.
The Council has requested the support of the Ministry of Civil Service and the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration in implementing these changes. The CEC has stated that it would use the proposal as a basis for further coordination with the MAC, the interior ministry, and other agencies.
Failure to report could result in disciplinary action. The revised rules will be submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval and implementation.
While the exact new reporting requirements for officials relating to visits to Hong Kong or Macau are not specified in the current search results, Taiwan has shown heightened scrutiny of visitors from these regions. The country has implemented national security screenings and has delayed opening permanent residency or citizenship pathways for Hong Kong and Macau residents due to security concerns.
In addition, the MAC has proposed amendments to the Rules Governing the Enforcement of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, in response to China's "united front" efforts and other national security threats. The Ministry of the Interior has suggested that the content of these affidavits be published in the official election bulletin.
For more precise details about the amendments and reporting requirements, it may be necessary to consult official Taiwanese government publications or announcements dated around mid-2025.
- The amendments to Taiwan's rules for officials visiting Hong Kong and Macau, proposed by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), involve stricter reporting requirements for non-official travel and contacts with individuals from these regions, as part of a broader policy-and-legislation approach aiming to curb Chinese influence.
- The Taiwanese government's increased scrutiny in matters related to policy-and-legislation and politics, as exhibited in the amended rules for officials visiting Hong Kong and Macau, extends to national security screenings anddelayed pathways for permanent residency or citizenship for residents of those regions.
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