Procedures for Returning Overseas Chinese Further Simplified

As part of the gradual relaxing of entry and exit regulations, one year multiple entry and exit permits for overseas Chinese returning to the Republic of China may be extended to two years. This permit can be used at any time to enter and leave the ROC. No other visa is necessary. Also, the fee for this permit has been reduced 50%.

Overseas Chinese may apply for a re-exit permit when applying at ROC consular agencies abroad to return to the ROC. If the re-exit permit is not applied for at this time, it may be applied for at the airport or at a Bureau of Entry and Exit Service Center after entering the ROC. In order to ensure issuance of the permit within 48 hours, the Bureau of Entry and Exit has recently completed full computerization of all data concerning entry and exit of overseas Chinese.

In the past, holders of Hong Kong passports enrolled at overseas Chinese schools in Japan needed a guarantor in the Republic of China to return to the ROC. New regulations now allow the overseas Chinese school to issue certification for the student in lieu of obtaining a guarantor in the ROC.

Chinese living in Hong Kong and Macao holding a special visa permit who wish to return to the ROC may apply for a visa right at the airport or a Bureau of Entry and Exit Service Center after arrival in the ROC. The visa will be issued on the spot. They may also apply for a boarding certificate at Chung Hwa Travel Agency, then formally apply for their visa after arrival in the ROC.

In any case, a response to all applications for entering or exiting the ROC, whether approved or not, will be given to the applicant within one month.

Procedures for Removing Exit Restrictions for Those Who Owe Tax Explained

According to regulations, the tax collection agency or customs should request the Ministry of Finance or court of jurisdiction to have the Bureau of Entry and Exit of the Ministry of the Interior lift exit restrictions for individuals in the following categories:

1. Those who have paid all taxes and fines owed.

2. Those who provide adequate collateral to the tax collection agency or customs for taxes and fines owed.

3. Those who, after administrative compensation or punishment procedures have been completed, are found to owe less in taxes and fines than the upper limit allowed by regulations.

4. Those for whom the legal time limit to collect the taxes and fines owed has elapsed.

5. Companies and organizations that have disbanded and have no assets to cover taxes and fines owed.

6. Individuals that owe tax but have filed for legal bankruptcy and completed reconciliation or assets distribution proceedings.

Duty Rate Set at 20% on Packages Mailed to ROC That Exceed Duty Free Limit

According to the inspectorate General of Customs, packages mailed to the Republic of China are to be taxed at 20% of the value of the goods that exceeds the duty free limit. For packages for Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, and Okinawa under US$1,500 in value, and packages mailed from other areas under US$3,000 in value visa documentation need not be filed.

Printed materials (including books and magazines but not records, tapes, slides, and so forth) under US$6,000 in value (or the equivalent in other currencies) do not require the filing of visa documentation. Such packages will be examined and released by customs. The limit for printed materials mailed from Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, and Okinawa is US$3,000. Printed materials must be in compliance with Government Information Office regulations.