The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday said it is considering requiring civil servants at all levels to report visits to China or its territories, expanding a requirement that applies to those of upper ranks.
The council is in talks with agencies and is to launch the initiative after reaching a consensus, MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) told a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Internal Administration Committee.
Civil servants above “rank 11” are required to ask for permission from the Ministry of the Interior to travel to China. Those below the rank are only required to apply for leave procedures within their agency, without controls on travel to China, Hong Kong or Macau, Chiu said.
Photo: Taipei Times
Given the lack of control mechanisms in place, “some may not be following the rules so strictly,” he said.
As this is an important question, the regulations might be amended so that civil servants at all levels must obtain permission before traveling to China, he added.
The purpose of trips and itineraries would face evaluations through a joint review committee mechanism, from which authorities such as the National Immigration Agency could issue risk reminders and implement checks, Chiu said.
Evaluations would also be bolstered for civil servants above rank 11 who are not yet subject to oversight by the joint review committee, he added.
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