BackThe Control Yuan has called for the Executive Yuan and all government agencies under it to formulate a comprehensive new immigrant policy that is in line with the Constitution and related international human rights conventions and that takes into account demographic trends in the country. In addition, it has urged the Executive Yuan to timely review the regulations on marriage immigration interviews, visa audits, domestic management and related affairs.
As many problems have emerged concerning the regulations and systems in place for many years on marriage immigration policy, the Control Yuan launched a thorough investigation into the matter. In the report on its findings, the Control Yuan indicated that the Ministry of Interior has failed to distinguish between Article 70 and 71 of the Immigration Act in terms of its procedures and methods of investigation of immigration applicants’ domiciles. This violation of legally established procedures has placed immigrant families living together in Taiwan in a state of uncertainty and has obstructed their right to reunion. As Taiwan’s population greys and the country loses its demographic dividend, formulating and implementing a comprehensive policy for new immigrants has become an urgent task that brooks no delay.
Interviews are the first step in the marriage immigration process. The system should not only fully comply with the Constitution and related international human rights conventions but also be in line with overall population policy which takes into account political factors and national security considerations. In addition, while it is necessary to have in place a monitoring mechanism to prevent human trafficking as well as criminal activities by foreigners in Taiwan, it should be adjusted appropriately to ensure marriage immigrants’ right to family reunion. Furthermore, the New Immigrant Fund should be utilized to provide counseling and care services for all new immigrants and their offspring and to protect their fundamental right to litigation, in keeping with the principles of due process of law.
In order to help foster the development of a peaceful and harmonious society of diversity, the Control Yuan will continue to urge the Executive Yuan and its subordinate agencies to ensure that related policies and regulations are fairly and effectively implemented and enforced.
Source: Control Yuan, Taiwan
