TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Immigration Agency (NIA) honored Father Francois Baumann, a French Catholic priest serving New Taipei’s Mother of God Church, on Wednesday (Aug. 21), granting senior citizen benefits associated with his Alien Permanent Residency Certificate (APRC) under the Mackay Project.

Baumann has served as a priest in Taiwan for over 20 years, meeting one of the requirements outlined by the Mackay Project, which was implemented in 2011. Another requirement is that applicants must be over the age of 65.

The Mackay Project commemorates the contributions of Canadian Presbyterian missionary, Dr. George Leslie Mackay (1844–1901), who established churches, schools, and a hospital in Taiwan. In his memory, foreign nationals who make contributions to social welfare, medical services, religion, education, or culture will be afforded special benefits, per Epoch Times.

After meeting qualifications for the Mackay Project, successful applicants are granted the same senior citizen privileges and services that Taiwanese enjoy. This includes discounts for travel discounts and preferential admission rates for scenic areas, amusement parks, cultural and educational facilities.

Other benefits include access to long-term care services, daycare, family support services, subsidized purchase or rental of assistive devices, senior citizens' food service, transportation service, and long-term care institutions.

Baumann obtained a master's degree in business administration in Paris and first came to Taiwan on a business trip. At the time, he had a premonition that he would return once again. After becoming ordained as a priest, his religious order assigned him to Taiwan.

Upon returning to Taiwan, Baumann taught English and French at Fu Jen Catholic University. He soon began his study of Chinese, as well as Taiwanese folk customs and Buddhism, deepening his understanding of Taiwan’s culture and society.

Baumann expressed his gratitude to the Taiwan government for its support of religious groups and missionaries. He said many clergy experience difficulty applying for work visas in other countries, but Taiwan has been encouraging, allowing him to focus on his mission.

NIA New Taipei City Service Station Director Lin Tsai-rong (林財榮) expressed gratitude for Baumann’s work with disadvantaged groups in rural communities. Lin added that contributions from foreign residents, such as Baumann, have benefited Taiwanese society, allowing it to become more diverse and prosperous.