Ministry floats draft changes to naturalization law

Draft amendments to regulations for naturalization applications were announced yesterday by the Ministry of the Interior.

The draft amendments, which are still under discussion, require naturalization applicants to possess basic language ability in either Mandarin, Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese), Hakka or any of the nation's Aboriginal languages.

An exam on citizen rights and responsibilities, such as in regard to taxation and education, will be offered in any one of the above languages in both written and oral format. Applicants may choose either format, which will feature 20 questions.

Those who have studied in private or public schools in Taiwan for more than a year or who have taken government-recognized classes for more than 200 hours will not need to take the exam.

Naturalization applicants need to obtain a score of 70 to meet the standard required. An applicant who is a spouse of an ROC citizen or who is adopted by a ROC citizen needs a score of 60, while those over the age of 65 need only a score of 50.

The draft amendments are still being discussed and revised, but it is hoped that they will be ready by Jan. 1 next year, the ministry said.

Sample exam questions and answers will be available at the end of next month or early November.

The existing requirements for the naturalization of an alien or stateless person include having "legally stayed in the territory of the Republic of China for more than 183 days each year for more than five years without interruption."

In addition, applicants must have reached the age of 20 years and have legal capacity under both Republic of China laws and the law of their original country.

Applicants must also have no criminal record and possess sufficient property or professional skills to ensure self-sufficiency.