Communication Channels

Overseas Chinese Who Obtain ROC Citizenship May Maintain Dual Citizenship

The Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission has announced that overseas Chinese who wish to obtain ROC citizenship may retain their foreign passport and, after establishing residency, may maintain dual citizenship.

The Commission points out that after establishing residency, overseas Chinese are considered citizens of the ROC and must manage their affairs according to the regulations applying to ROC citizens, and not according to those applying to foreigners.

At present many preferential measures are being extended to overseas Chinese. Those wishing to invest in the ROC, for example, must only receive the approval of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Regardless of whether they have established residency, they may purchase foreign exchange and apply to be issued a one-year multiple-entry visa.

Overseas Chinese not seeking ROC citizenship who wish to make investments, purchase land, or undertake other projects need only apply to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission for an overseas Chinese identity card and payment chop to facilitate the carrying out of their projects.

Visa Applications for the U.S. Can Now Be Handled by Mail

The American Institute in Taiwan is now allowing visa applications for commercial (B-1) and tourist (B-2) visas to be mailed to their office. Anyone holding a five year multiple-entry visa whose ROC passport has expired within the last 12 months does not have to apply in for a new visa.

Applicants must send to AIT a completed application form, a valid passport (or expired passport if the expired visa is stamped in it), a duplicate of his or her most recent household registration transcript, a telegram fee of NT$100, and a return envelope. If the applicant wishes to have the new visa return mailed by registered mail, he or she must include sufficient postage with the application.

Restrictions on Guarantor System Relaxed; Abolishment of System Under Consideration

It has been discovered that certain people are using the guarantor system for private gain, which is turning the procedure into a mere formality. Therefore the Ministry of the Interior has decided to relax the restrictions on guarantors, and is considering abolishing the system.

According to present regulations, overseas Chinese from Hong Kong and Macao, in order to enter the ROC, must find a government-approved overseas Chinese association or travel agency to act as guarantor. Some people, however, due to difficulties in finding a guarantor, have "bought" one. For their part, certain guarantors have accepted the money as part of the fee for their services.

For this reason, the Ministry of the Interior has already relaxed the restriction on who may serve as a guarantor for Hong Kong and Macao overseas Chinese.

Airwave College Accepting Students

The Airwave College, designed for overseas Chinese to study Chinese history, culture, and language, is now accepting registration for its ninth term. The registration period runs from October 1, 1986, to the end of January 1987.

Courses are divided into three types: Chinese conversation (beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels); lectures in Chinese history; and Chinese culture. Students can follow all three courses, or only one of them.

The courses are transmitted for 15 minutes seven days a week everywhere except Taipei, where the program is not aired on Sunday. It is transmitted via the Voice of Asia and Voice of Free China. Listening areas include the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, Central America, and Africa.

Each term lasts one year. Students area required to send in answer sheets, and a certificate of completion will be issued free of charge at the end of the term to those with passing grades.

Those interested in studying Chinese culture and language can register by writing to: 2nd F1., No. 3, Lane 1, Tai An Street, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC