TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Immigration Agency announced Thursday it has identified 124 cases of suspected forged documents in entry applications from Chinese nationals and has launched measures to block such activities.

Concerns have been raised about the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, where users are reportedly posting instructions for Chinese students to bypass standard immigration processes. These include falsifying enrollment certificates and using unwitting agents to submit applications to Taiwan’s overseas offices.

Malaysian recruitment agencies noted that many Chinese nationals apply for visas to Taiwan through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. However, some Chinese students have exploited these channels by submitting falsified documents to gain entry, per CNA.

The NIA warned that under Article 17 of the Regulations Governing the Approval of People of the Mainland Area Visiting Taiwan for Purposes of Tourism, those who falsify their entry purpose, conceal critical facts, or submit forged documents, or assist others in doing so, face bans of up to five years. Entry and exit permits may be revoked, so applicants are urged to abide by regulations.

Authorities also uncovered criminal groups in Taiwan forging or altering foreign visas to apply for entry under third-category tourism. These cases have been referred to prosecutors, with some suspects already in custody as investigations aim to trace and dismantle the networks involved.

Since reopening tourism applications for Chinese residing overseas on Sept. 1 last year, the NIA has implemented offshore prevention, border inspections, and intensified investigations. Its overseas offices have strengthened document reviews, enhanced cooperation with immigration authorities, and conducted interviews to verify suspicious cases.

These measures aim to reinforce border security and curb illegal activities to protect Taiwan’s immigration system.