The Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission (MTAC) yesterday denied reports that a recently revised policy would require Tibetan refugees to have their Taiwanese visas approved by the commission before they can cross the border into Taiwan.
Several reports have said that a recently revised policy would require Tibetan exiles to obtain approval for their Taiwanese visas from the commission before they can legally enter Taiwan.
MTAC Chairman Kao Su-po (高思博) yesterday denied the reports while answering questions at the legislature’s Internal Administration Committee, saying visa approval was not among the commission’s responsibilities.
“If Buddhist groups from Tibet want to extend their stay in Taiwan, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Bureau of Consular Affairs would seek our opinion,” he said. “But visa approval is the responsibility of the National Immigration Agency and the Bureau of Consular Affairs.”
Kao also said the Dalai Lama was welcome to visit again as long as he did not come at a sensitive time. However, because the matter involves national security, the National Security Council would have to be consulted before the Tibetan spiritual leader can be invited, he said.
In related news, Kao declined to address rumors that he could become the next minister of justice.
After minister of justice Wang Ching-feng (王清峰) stepped down last week amid criticism over her stance on capital punishment, rumors have been circulating as to who will take her place as the next justice minister.
Kao told legislators he had not heard such “ridiculous” news and that he had not been asked by any official about his willingness to assume the position.
He also refused to answer Democratic Progressive Party Legislator William Lai’s (賴清德) request to state his position on capital punishment and the execution of prisoners on death row.
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