TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's government has softened a controversial policy requiring Chinese spouses to prove they've renounced their Chinese citizenship or face potential deregistration. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會), the island's primary agency handling relations with China, announced alternative compliance options on Wednesday (April 16) amid mounting implementation concerns.
MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) detailed several exceptions to the original documentation requirements, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups. Chinese-born individuals who returned to Taiwan before age 7, seniors over 70, and low-income residents unable to travel across the Taiwan Strait may now use a simple declaration instead. The alternative pathway also extends to those facing political or religious persecution, people with serious health conditions, and those who haven't visited China since January 2015.
The policy revisions also include temporary deferrals for those facing extraordinary circumstances. Applicants currently imprisoned, serving in the military, pursuing education, managing family emergencies, or suffering acute illness may postpone document submission with a three-month grace period once their situation stabilizes. Liang clarified that those who do travel to China remain obligated to provide proper documentation. The National Immigration Agency (NIA, 移民署), Taiwan's border control authority, will begin accepting applications through multiple channels starting Monday.
Despite the policy adjustments, Liang emphasized that the vast majority of affected individuals have already satisfied the requirements, with over 130,000 of Taiwan's 140,000 Chinese spouses successfully complying with the nationality renunciation regulations. He encouraged those experiencing complications to seek help from the NIA, MAC, or the Straits Exchange Foundation (海基會), a semi-official organization that handles cross-strait affairs in the absence of formal diplomatic relations. ★
