The Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Cooperation Promotion Association stated that in response to the issues faced by Hong Kong and Macau residents relocating to Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council and the Association organized the 24th “Care for Hong Kong and Macau Residents Settlement Seminar” on the 15th. The event was expanded to accommodate the increasing demand, attracting over 150 participants from Hong Kong and Macau.
The Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Cooperation Promotion Association announced in a press release on the 15th that since October 2023, the Mainland Affairs Council and the Association have been organizing the “Care for Hong Kong and Macau Residents Settlement Seminar.” To date, a total of 24 seminars have been held in various locations across Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, facilitating face-to-face communication with nearly 900 Hong Kong and Macau residents.
The 24th seminar took place at the Tamkang University Taipei Campus, with Lu Changshui, Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Mongolian Tibetan Office of the Mainland Affairs Council and Secretary-General of the Association, presiding over the event. In his address, he emphasized the welcoming attitude of the Taiwanese government towards Hong Kong and Macau friends who choose to move to Taiwan due to their appreciation for Taiwan’s atmosphere of freedom and democracy. The collaboration between the Mainland Affairs Council and the Association aims to help Hong Kong and Macau friends understand government policies and integrate quickly into Taiwanese life.
Lu Changshui highlighted that the seminar invited representatives from the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and National Immigration Agency to participate, facilitating direct communication and offering personalized consultation services through the Taiwan-Hong Kong Service Exchange Office. This collaboration aims to effectively address issues and assist Hong Kong and Macau friends in settling down in Taiwan, enabling them to thrive and create a new life in Taiwan.
He emphasized that Taiwan is an immigrant society that embraces diverse cultures, welcoming individuals who sincerely embrace the values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Taiwan as “New Taiwanese.” Lu Changshui mentioned how Hong Kong and Macau friends actively shared the joy of Taiwanese athletes winning medals during the Paris Olympics on social media, exemplifying the spirit of being a “New Taiwanese.”
Lu Changshui acknowledged the challenges and difficulties faced by Hong Kong and Macau friends when moving to Taiwan and becoming “New Taiwanese.” Whether it’s dealing with residency applications, settlement processes involving governmental authorities, or adapting to daily life concerns, the Mainland Affairs Council and the Association are ready to support and accompany them through the journey.
During the seminar, representatives from various government agencies provided explanations on residency and settlement-related matters. The National Immigration Agency clarified the legal provisions for investment, family reunification, studying in Taiwan, and overseas graduates returning to Taiwan, while the Ministry of Labor explained the regulations and considerations for foreign professionals working in Taiwan. The Investment Review Division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs introduced the relevant investment review regulations. The officials addressed queries and concerns raised by Hong Kong and Macau residents, including the preparation of necessary documents, drafting business plans, and highlighting key points to remember regarding observation, investment, family reunification, and education.
The Mainland Affairs Council stated that they will continue to collaborate with the Association, relevant government agencies, and civil organizations to organize a series of seminars, market events, and various activities to support Hong Kong and Macau residents in embracing their identity as “New Taiwanese” and creating a new life in Taiwan. They welcome Hong Kong and Macau friends to join in the celebration and offer assistance through the Taiwan-Hong Kong Service Exchange Office’s service platform for any issues encountered during their residency, settlement, and daily life in Taiwan. For more information, please visit the official website of the Association and their Facebook page or contact the Taiwan-Hong Kong Service Exchange Office hotline at (02) 2700-3199.