February 7, 2018
MAC Press Release No. 010
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chang Hsiao-yueh stated at an activity for Mainland spouses on February 7 that "substantive care is more important" in concern for Mainland spouses. On the high-profile public issue of allowing Mainland spouses to take some professional and technical personnel examinations during their residency stage, she said that the MAC has asked related agencies to provide assessments and promptly hold inter-agency consultation meetings on gradually relaxing regulations.
The MAC held the "Welcoming New Year of the Dog, Happy Family Gathering" activity on February 7 at Yu Yu Art Café located in National Taiwan Museum's Nanmen Park.
Minister Chang said in her speech that, since taking office, she has listened to the voices of Mainland spouses during exchanges and interactions in Pingtung, Taichung, Hualien, Kaohsiung, and Matsu. Most of the issues of concern reflected by the majority of Mainland spouses revolve around economics, family, and parenting.
The MAC has invited related agencies to jointly study, discuss, and assist in resolving the difficulties faced by Mainland spouses prior to domiciling in Taiwan. However, in the process of sounding out issues, the MAC has found that some problems owe to misunderstanding resulting from insufficient advocacy. Minister Chang noted that resident permits absolutely can be used to apply for mobile phone numbers, receive Uniform-Invoice prize awards, sign surgery consent forms, and receive labor insurance pensions. In the future, the MAC will continue to step up advocacy work on these issues concerning the rights and interests of Mainland spouses living in Taiwan.
Regarding relaxing the affinity range for family-related visits to Taiwan by the relatives of Mainland spouses, Minister Chang said that the MAC and the National Immigration Agency (NIA) have met several times to study and discuss this matter and have reached a consensus on relaxing regulations in related amendments. The NIA will complete follow-up work to amend the rules as soon as possible.
Minister Chang emphasized that the government has always maintained the principle that "substantive care is more important" in its care and concern for Mainland spouses. The MAC will continue to protect the rights and interests of Mainland spouses and their children living in Taiwan and to serve as a staunch supporter for Mainland spouses. The MAC will also jointly resolve issues with related agencies to address the urgent needs faced by Mainland spouses in integrating into Taiwanese society so Mainland spouses can enjoy a more convenient life in their home and homeland of Taiwan.
The MAC especially arranged for Ms. Shen Wenkuan, a native of Henan Province in mainland China, to share her story at the activity. Ms. Shen has been married and living in Taiwan for six years and has three lovely children. She said that when she first married to Taiwan, her Hakkanese sister-in-law cared for her like a mother. She said that she is very grateful to her sister-in-law for her selfless support. Though she sometimes misses her mother back home, the warmhearted care and wholehearted acceptance of her new family have convinced her that marrying and coming to Taiwan was the right choice.
Yu Yu Art Café is located on the outer side of the Red House at the National Taiwan Museum's Nanmen Park. In earlier years, the Red House produced camphor for export to the world. Taiwan was once the world's biggest producer of camphor, accounting for 70% of the world's annual output. Consequently the packing plant at the Red House became a channel linking Taiwan with the world economy and trade. The MAC stated that this venue was chosen for the activity in the hope that Mainland spouses and family members may understand how early settlers in Taiwan toiled to develop the land of Taiwan and to pass down Taiwan's history and culture through parent-child interaction and fun and educational activities.