Cabinet considering new immigration guidelines

Responding new immigration problems involving foreign laborers and illegal immigrants, the Executive Yuan is drafting a set of immigration guidelines to better manage the nation's population structure.

According to the draft guidelines of the ROC Immigration Policy (中華民國移民政策綱領), of which the Taipei Times obtained a copy, certain immigration regulations that apply to foreigners would be liberalized, while those for Chinese nationals would remain tight.

The draft, which is still being considered by the Cabinet, outlines the goals and strategies of the immigration policy and includes legislation proposed by the Cabinet.

In order to protect the employment rights of Taiwanese, the number of foreign laborers would be limited so that they do not encroach on locals' job opportunities. Social stability should also be taken into consideration in the introduction of Chinese laborers, according to the draft.

Professional, talented Chinese residing outside of China and scientific professionals based in China could enjoy more leeway when they apply to work here.

The draft also mandates that annual quotas be set for foreigners or Chinese nationals applying for short- or mid-term stays or residency status.

Foreign laborers and foreign students would not be eligible to apply for permanent residence or naturalization. Personal interviews would be required for prospective immigrants.

To attract international capital, foreigners who invest a certain amount of money would be eligible to apply for permanent residency status.

Responding the nation's need for scientific development, the application threshold for professional talent in high-tech, economic and other specialty areas would be lowered.

The Cabinet approved draft amendments to the Immigration Law (入出國及移民法) on Nov. 5 which would allow foreigners, with the exception of Chinese nationals, with professional specialties in areas other than high-technology to apply for permanent residency.

The draft amendments would also allow foreigners who invest a certain amount of money in Taiwan to apply for permanent residency.

In addition, foreigners and Chinese nationals who refuse to have personal interviews with immigration authorities without reasonable grounds would be denied their application for stays or residency status.

The draft guidelines also mandate that a law regarding refugees and asylum-seekers should be enacted, as well as the establishment of an asylum shelter.

The Cabinet is also reviewing the draft refugee and asylum law (難民庇護法), which would exclude Chinese nationals from seeking asylum.

Despite government's plan to open up investment immigration, foreigners yesterday expressed divided views over the new initiative.

Ed Possnecke, a 72-year-old native of San Francisco, said that although he would not apply for permanent resident status in Taiwan, it is a good start for the government to liberalize immigration regulations.

"Actually it comes close to what Singapore has been doing for years -- tying investment to immigration," he said. "I think that's moving in the right direction."

Possnecke, who has been working here for more than 15 years, said that Taiwan seems to be a great place for investment-related immigrants.

"It beats the hell out of mainland China," he said. "It's a democratic country and people have freedom of the press. You can say anything you want and do anything you want. There are not many places in Asia where you can do that."

Bobby Lane, 45, expressed a different opinion.

"Why?" he asked. "I mean the reason I came over here is to make money, right? Why would I want to pay the government money to get permanent residency here? It sounds kind of stupid."

Lane, a Florida native who has been working here for 11 years, said that he might consider applying for permanent residency because his alien residence certificate is due to expire on Friday.

Foreigners have resided in the country for at least 183 days each year for seven consecutive years are eligible to apply for permanent residency.