Proposed Action for Chinese Spouses: Relinquishment of Passports
Taiwan Proposes Amendment to Strengthen Immigration Control and Affirm Political Commitment
The Taiwanese government has proposed an amendment to the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, aimed at reinforcing the policy prohibiting Taiwanese citizens and those applying for residence in Taiwan from holding a Chinese passport [1][4]. The amendment is primarily designed to address concerns related to national security, immigration control, and political considerations.
The amendment seeks to prevent individuals with Chinese passports and household registration in China from holding dual or ambiguous residency status that might complicate Taiwan’s immigration management. The National Immigration Agency has proposed downgrading the status of those still registered in China from “registered permanent resident” to simply “resident,” reflecting a tighter vetting process for permanent residency rights [2].
The core rationale behind requiring Chinese spouses to give up their Chinese passports for permanent residency is to strengthen Taiwan’s immigration control and affirm political and legal commitment to Taiwan rather than China amidst cross-strait complexities [1][2][4].
It's important to note that the amendment does not require Taiwanese citizens or those applying for residence in Taiwan to give up their Taiwanese passports. Existing regulations for Chinese seeking to settle in Taiwan do not require them to give up their Chinese passports either [3].
Article 9-1 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area already prohibits Taiwanese citizens from holding a Chinese household registration or passport [5]. The amendment does not specify any changes to the enforcement of this Act by the Ministry of the Interior.
Once the details of the amendment have been finalized and approved, the new rules will be enforced by the Ministry of the Interior [6].
The proposal has been divisive within Taiwan’s legislature, reflecting different views on cross-strait relations and domestic policy priorities [1]. Critics, including protestors, have opposed requirements such as proof of renouncing Chinese household registration, viewing these measures as burdensome or politically motivated [4]. However, Taiwanese authorities maintain that such steps are necessary for clear immigration policies and to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and security interests amid ongoing political tensions with China.
The amendment, a part of Taiwan's policy-and-legislation, is a response to political complexities and focuses on the reinforcement of immigration control, falling under the umbrella of general-news. By tightening the rules for those with Chinese passports and household registration, the amendment aims to affirm Taiwan's commitment to its political and legal separation from China.
