Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan approved a law concerning new immigrants on Tuesday after its third reading, facilitating the integration of immigrants in Taiwanese society and offering them legal recognition.

The act focuses on the well-being and protection of the rights of new immigrants and aims to provide them with better living conditions. The legislation would be applicable to foreigners, stateless people, and residents of China, Hong Kong and Macau who have long-term permanent residency in Taiwan due to their work, investments or skills. Additionally, foreigners married to permanent residents or Taiwanese citizens and their children would be included within the ambit of the act. The act governs rights and interests in matters including employment, interpretation and media access for immigrants. However, overseas blue-collar migrant workers are left out of the benefits of the legislation.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI), in collaboration with local government, would be responsible for the implementation of the legislation and would oversee different facets and requirements of immigrants, including employment, education, personal safety and workplace rights. The Ministry is to establish an administrative agency to aid and coordinate with the aforementioned areas. The act also acknowledged the difficulties that a migrant might face while adapting to a new society. Therefore, the act provides measures to help immigrants in adapting to Taiwanese society.

Premier Cho Jung-tai remarked that the legislation signals the welcoming nature of Taiwan to the world and paved a path for them to be naturalized citizens.

The draft of the bill was approved by Executive Yuan on June 21, 2024.

Taiwan amended its Immigration Act in December 2023 to relax rules regarding stays and residency, and to promote the rights and safety of immigrants. The amendment allowed an immigrant who divorced their spouse due to domestic violence to stay irrespective of the presence of underaged children. Foreign professionals with expertise or achievements were also allowed to apply for permanent residency for their spouses and dependant children.