The measures are also taken to expedite the entry/exit procedures for some overseas Chinese to lure more of them to the island. The Immigration Office under the National Police Agency (NPA) is implementing the half dozen of new online services as part of the push for the "e-government" project and to double the number of tourist arrivals in 2008 as planned by the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) when Beijing hosts the Olympic Games in that summer.
The NPA is among the government agencies that are most aggressive in streamlining their operations for more efficient public services, including those offered to international visitors and foreign residents on the island.
The agency is currently overhauling its English-language Website which promises to help foreigners understand and better cope with the rules and regulations so as to enjoy more their stay in Taiwan.
The new services to be rolled out by the EPA's Immigration Office will allow foreign spouses or other people from abroad to complete necessary administrative procedures to apply and get their universal ID numbers -- which are widely used for applying for alien resident cards, national health insurance IC cards and for opening bank accounts -- without having to leave home or office.
Foreign nationals holding either visitor visas or resident visas can use the Internet to easily update their addresses and contact phone numbers.
Young males who are subject to the obligatory military service but plan to go overseas for study or take pleasure trips before their drafts are due can also complete applications and clear the way ahead.
At present, habitants in Hong Kong and Macau can apply for entry permits at Taiwan's representative offices there and the certificates will allow them to stay in Taiwan for three months plus one extension for another three months.
They may also enter Taiwan by getting landing visa upon arrival but the visa is good for only single entry.
Beginning on Jan. 1, they can have one more choice by applying and getting the permits via the Internet to entitle them to two entries into Taiwan and may stay up to 14 days on each trip.
Travel agencies will be able to use the Internet to apply with the Immigration Office for customers' permits to take journeys to mainland China beginning on Feb. 1.
Native residents and foreigners staying in Taiwan are advised to go to either the "e-government" Website "www.gov.tw" or the Immigration Office's Website "www.immigration.gov.tw" for details and schedules of the new services or making use of the new services.
Quelle: The China Post, 25.11.2004
