work toward implementing ICERD to ensure equal protection for non-citizens.
There is ample room for shifting away from this guest worker mentality.
(c) Foreign nationals from specific countries
64. Regarding the adoption of more stringent visa and naturalization processes
for foreign nationals from certain countries,81 the MOI asserts that the current
Nationality Act pertains to all foreign nationals applying for citizenship and
does not discriminate based on nationality. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MOFA) emphasizes that each country has the sovereign right to issue visas,
allowing for reasonable distinctions based on regulatory circumstances. The
list of specific countries that are subject to stricter processes and scrutiny is
based on statistics from law enforcement, national security, and immigration
agencies. It identifies countries with significant immigration risks, which
are characterized by prevalent issues with fraudulent IDs, overstays, illegal
employment, and back-door immigration.82
65. Recommendations: The government needs to pay attention to the
reasonableness and justifiability the distinctions made when implementing
regulations concerning the entry and exit, Taiwanese naturalization, or
conditions for residence of specific non-citizens. It should also periodically
reassess the relevant restrictions and standards.
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According to the Consular Affairs Bureau, MOFA, there are currently separate procedures for applying for visas for those
holding passports or travel documents from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, India
(identity certificate), Iraq, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria. Retrieved March 29, 2023
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from https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-36-40-0b0c6-1.html.
Responses of MOI and MOFA in the NHRC meeting (2023, Jan 17). According to the Nationality Act , foreigners who have
obtained legal residency status and meet other naturalization conditions in the Nationality Act can apply for Taiwanese
nationality. In 2022, 35 nationals from the specified 17 countries applied and were approved for naturalization. Most of
these individuals applied for residency due to family ties, predominantly as spouses of Taiwanese citizens.
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