TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign professionals living in Taiwan will be included in a new rights protection bill that is set to be approved by the Cabinet.
The draft bill on Friday (June 21) from the Ministry of the Interior defines “new residents” or “new immigrants” as foreigners who legally reside in Taiwan, stateless people, or Chinese nationals whose spouse is a local.
News agency CNA quoted a government press release as saying the bill would “comprehensively enhance the wellbeing and rights of new residents and provide them with a friendlier living environment."
Cabinet Spokesperson Chen Shi-kai (陳世凱) indicated the draft bill would help foreigners settle and eventually become naturalized citizens. This was a signal to the world that Taiwan was open to foreign professionals, Chen added.
The bill, if passed, would see the creation of a new agency to deal with immigration issues. It would bestow further immigrant rights, top up funding for new residents and their children, and assist language learning.