TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs (領事事務局) announced on Monday (April 21) a projected issuance of 2.09 million passports this year, despite budget constraints that only allow for the purchase of 1.85 million blank passports. The bureau plans to manage this shortfall by maintaining a security stockpile of at least 500,000 passports to ensure citizens' travel rights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) revealed a surge in passport applications as the pandemic eases, the Central News Agency (中央社) reported. The ministry issued over 720,000 passports from Jan. 1 to April 18. Although the demand has somewhat moderated, the current issuance rate remains high compared to pre-pandemic levels. Budget cuts have affected passport printing, limiting the purchase of blank passports.
To address the deficit of approximately 250,000 blank passports, the bureau will maintain its security stockpile, which it adjusts based on application trends during off-peak seasons. The bureau will also collaborate with its supplier, the Central Engraving and Printing Plant (CEPP, 中央印製廠), to advance procurement if necessary. This strategy aims to mitigate budget impacts and safeguard citizens' travel rights.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) highlighted the potential depletion of the security stockpile by October's end earlier that day at the Legislative Yuan meeting, risking a shortage by December. He emphasized the need for early action, warning that Taiwan's overseas offices might face operational challenges by June 30 if the situation remains unresolved.
