TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Around 50 people had their Taiwanese household registrations revoked after authorities confirmed they had Chinese household registrations or passports, the Mainland Affairs Council said Tuesday.

The National Immigration Agency said Sunday it investigates cases reported by other authorities or flagged by the public involving suspected household registration or passport applications in China, per CNA. So far, about 50 individuals with verified evidence have had their Taiwan household registrations canceled.

During a legislative session on Tuesday, MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said Article 9-1 of the Cross-Strait Act prohibits Taiwanese from applying for Chinese household registration or passports, and violators lose their Taiwan registration. He said the figures come from verified public reports and government-initiated investigations.

In the past, special projects addressed dual-identity cases, such as Chinese spouses who faced difficulties relinquishing original registration. Those holding both Taiwanese and Chinese IDs must choose one, and those opting for Chinese IDs must give up their Taiwan IDs.

Chiu said authorities compiled all cases and notified local household registration offices to cancel the registrations of 50 individuals. He urged the public to comply with national law and the Cross-Strait Act.

In April, the MAC said possession of a Chinese resident ID and residence permit is legally equivalent to having household registration in China. Taiwanese who hold these documents, therefore, forfeit their legal residency status in Taiwan.

Asked about cases such as Taiwanese businessman Ling Chin-cheng (林金城), who lost his registration for holding a Chinese ID and was later found to be a wanted criminal, Chiu said such instances are rare. He emphasized that revocation requires solid evidence and follows proper procedures before authorities cancel a person’s household registration and Taiwan identity.