Tightening restrictions for regaining citizenship, as prescribed by MOI
Taiwan Introduces Stricter Rules for Reclaiming Citizenship
Taiwan has announced new rules for individuals seeking to reclaim their Taiwanese citizenship, particularly those who previously held Taiwanese household registration but later obtained Chinese identity documents. The changes, proposed by Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI), aim to protect the nation against threats from China and ensure that those reclaiming citizenship meet specific criteria.
The key qualifying criteria for reclaiming citizenship include making significant contributions to Taiwan's national defense, international image, or social stability, providing benefits to Taiwan’s overall interests, and humanitarian grounds such as involuntary loss of Taiwanese citizenship as minors due to guardians' actions, close family ties in Taiwan, or health issues.
Applicants must also show that they have renounced their Chinese passports and lost mainland household registration. The amendment allows the government to reject or revoke citizenship restoration if the applicants engage in Chinese Communist Party propaganda, violate mainland laws, or pose risks to Taiwan’s national security.
Notably, the new rules do not affect Chinese nationals who previously had Taiwanese citizenship and then returned to China. However, the ban will apply to those who represented Chinese commercial entities illegally operating in Taiwan, contravened rules governing movements across national borders, sabotaged critical infrastructure, or fomented social unrest.
The draft amendment does not require legislative approval and is enforced by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency. The Ministry of Culture has launched investigations into Taiwanese celebrities and influencers suspected of spreading pro-China propaganda on Beijing's behalf, with penalties for political activities in cooperation with Chinese officials amounting to a fine of NT$100,000 to NT$500,000 under the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.
Last year, about 20 celebrities, including high-profile musician and performer Ouyang Nana, shared social media posts supporting the Chinese People's Liberation Army, stating that "Taiwan has been a part of China since ancient times and there is only one China." Ouyang and other celebrities under investigation have responded in writing to renounce knowledge of the posts, deny agreement with the content, or plead that they were ignorant of the law.
The new rules are part of a broader national security strategy by President Lai Ching-te aimed at countering China's espionage and influence campaigns. The National Immigration Agency would be responsible for approving requests for restoring Taiwanese citizenship in collaboration with other government entities. The investigations into the celebrities are ongoing, focusing on whether they had collaborated with Chinese officials and whether they voluntarily reposted the comments or were pressured by their agents or managers.
People eligible for the exemption include those who emigrated to China as children by the act of their legal guardians, have close familial ties in Taiwan, or are in poor health. The rules will affect Taiwanese who lost their citizenship after becoming permanent residents of China or obtaining passports issued by China.
[1] Taiwan News: "Taiwan to tighten rules for reclaiming citizenship" (https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4537397) [2] Focus Taiwan: "Taiwan to tighten rules for reclaiming citizenship" (https://focus-taiwan.tw/news/aipl/202103050010) [3] South China Morning Post: "Taiwan tightens citizenship rules for those who hold Chinese passports" (https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3127612/taiwan-tightens-citizenship-rules-those-who-hold-chinese) [4] Reuters: "Taiwan tightens rules for reclaiming citizenship" (https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-tightens-rules-reclaiming-citizenship-2021-03-05/) [5] Nikkei Asia: "Taiwan tightens rules for reclaiming citizenship" (https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Taiwan-tightens-rules-for-reclaiming-citizenship)
- The policy-and-legislation changes proposed by Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI) for reclaiming citizenship are part of a broader political strategy aimed at countering China's influence and ensuring national security.
- In the wake of stricter rules for reclaiming citizenship, Taiwan is vigilantly investigating general-news instances of Taiwanese celebrities and influencers who have been suspected of spreading pro-China propaganda.
