Introduction:
On Wednesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior (MOI) rejected an online petition that called for the abolition of a rule requiring long-term foreign residents to renounce their original nationality when applying for Taiwanese citizenship. The petition, submitted by the civil society group Crossroads on August 19, had gathered over 5,700 signatures in favor of allowing dual citizenship for those who have legally resided in Taiwan for more than five years. The government cited concerns over national security, economic stability, and territorial integrity in its decision.
The Petition: A Call for Change
The petition by Crossroads, a civil society organization, aimed to grant long-term foreign residents who have lived in Taiwan for over five years a standardized pathway to naturalization without the requirement of renouncing their original nationality. Currently, Taiwan’s naturalization process mandates that applicants give up their previous nationality, a rule that sets Taiwan apart from countries like the United States, Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, which allow multiple citizenships.
The petition argues that the renunciation rule is unfair and restrictive, especially considering that Taiwan permits its own citizens to hold multiple nationalities while residing abroad. Crossroads claims that this policy is inconsistent and discriminatory.
Government’s Rejection: National Interest First
In its statement, the MOI emphasized Taiwan’s single-nationality principle, which the government argues is crucial for the nation’s security and resources. The ministry stated that permitting foreign nationals who have lived in Taiwan for more than five years to naturalize without renouncing their original nationality would have a negative impact on Taiwan’s finances, social welfare, and national security.
The MOI also referenced Taiwan’s limited geographic size, dense population, and limited resources as factors that justify the stringent nationality-renunciation rule. The government stressed that the current naturalization system is tailored to Taiwan’s specific needs, although it did not provide further details on how these needs are determined.
However, the MOI acknowledged exceptions for individuals deemed to have made outstanding contributions to Taiwan, including high-level professionals. These exceptions, however, are rare, and critics argue they have been insufficient to attract and retain skilled foreign talent.
Crossroads’ Response: A Call for More Inclusivity
Following the rejection, Crossroads expressed its dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that Taiwan’s naturalization policy needs to be more inclusive to respond to the nation’s shrinking population and the need for foreign talent. The group highlighted that Taiwan faces a severe demographic decline, with the population expected to shrink from 23.6 million in 2019 to approximately 15 million by 2070, according to government statistics. They believe that loosening the rules for naturalization would help attract and retain individuals who could contribute to Taiwan’s economy and society.
Crossroads also pointed out that the number of individuals naturalizing as dual citizens has been extremely low, with fewer than 50 individuals per year since 2016. The group argued that the policy does not align with the needs of Taiwan’s economy or the realities of globalization.
Key Points of the Petition Rejection
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Petition Submission Date | August 19, 2023 |
| Signatures Collected | 5,746 |
| Petition Request | Allow immigrants who have resided in Taiwan for more than five years to apply for citizenship without renouncing their original nationality |
| Government Response | Rejected the petition, citing the single-nationality principle, and concerns over national security, economic stability, and territorial integrity |
| Exceptions to the Rule | High-level professionals and individuals who have made outstanding contributions may be exempt from the nationality-renunciation requirement |
| Criticism of Current Law | Critics argue that the current law is restrictive, discriminatory, and does not account for Taiwan’s shrinking population or global talent needs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why did Taiwan reject the dual citizenship petition?
Taiwan’s government rejected the petition based on the single-nationality principle, which it believes is vital for national security and economic stability. The government cited concerns about Taiwan’s small territory, dense population, and limited resources.
2. What exceptions exist under the current law?
The MOI allows high-level professionals and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Taiwan to retain their original nationality when applying for citizenship, though these exceptions are rare.
3. How many people have successfully obtained dual citizenship in Taiwan?
Fewer than 50 individuals per year have naturalized as dual citizens since 2016, according to Crossroads, reflecting the restrictive nature of Taiwan’s current citizenship laws.
4. What are the arguments for and against the current citizenship rule?
Proponents argue that Taiwan needs to maintain a single-nationality system for national security and resource management. Critics, however, argue that the policy is outdated and prevents Taiwan from attracting global talent amid a shrinking population.
5. How does Taiwan’s citizenship policy compare to other countries?
Taiwan’s requirement for naturalization applicants to renounce their original nationality is stricter than countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which allow dual citizenship.
