New Measures for Taiwan Residents in Mainland China Effective Thursday

Starting Thursday, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has rolled out two significant measures aimed at aiding Taiwan residents in aspects of study, work, and daily life on the mainland. According to Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, one of these new regulations allows residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan who lose or damage their travel permits to apply for a temporary electronic permit, which is valid for seven days and allows them to board flights and trains within mainland cities.

Additionally, the NIA has implemented a verification service that connects travel and residence permits, enhancing efficiency in document processing and border clearance. The immigration management departments of public security authorities have introduced various policy measures to help Taiwan residents navigate these processes more smoothly, creating a more favorable environment for them in the mainland. Chen stated that the authorities take the security of personal information seriously, ensuring that these services are voluntary and that identity verification is rigorously enforced.

Critically, Chen called out the Democratic Progressive Party government in Taiwan for misleading the public about the nature of residence permits issued to Taiwan residents in the mainland. He clarified that these permits are fundamentally different from ID cards held by mainland residents, designed specifically to aid Taiwan compatriots in their endeavors in the mainland. The residence permits are intended to support Taiwan residents without requiring them to relinquish their residency rights in Taiwan, preserving the rights and obligations they enjoy on the island.

Since their introduction, these residence permits have been positively received by Taiwan residents, greatly streamlining their studies, entrepreneurial efforts, and everyday lives. Chen assured that the personal information of permit holders will be stringently protected and encouraged Taiwan residents to utilize the new services confidently.