Taiwan rejects dual citizenship petition

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government has rejected a petition calling for a path for citizenship for foreign residents that does not require them to renounce their original nationality.

On Aug. 18, the Crossroads organization launched the “Petition to exempt permanent residents from Taiwan from renouncing their original nationality to become Taiwan citizens.” The petition reached its goal of 5,000 signatures before the Oct. 20 deadline requiring a government response.

The Ministry of Interior on Tuesday (Nov. 26) issued a two-part response to the petition. First, the ministry said that Taiwan's Nationality Act (國籍法) adheres to the principle of a single nationality system.

The MOI said each country has the right to formulate laws and regulations related to nationality based on its national interests and needs. It said that given Taiwan's small territory, dense population, limited resources, and national loyalty concerns, allowing foreign permanent residents who have resided in Taiwan for five years to naturalize without submitting proof of renouncing their original nationality “could have a significant impact on Taiwan's finances, social welfare burden, and national security.”

Second, the MOI said high-level professionals needed by Taiwan or distinguished persons who have made contributions are allowed to naturalize as Taiwanese citizens without the requirement to renounce their original nationality. This exception permitting dual citizenship was established to meet Taiwan's national needs, said the ministry.

The MOI concluded that the proposal to change the country's single-nationality principle to allow for dual citizenship “involves major national policies and the exercise of sovereignty.” Therefore, it said that the proposal would be rejected and the petition case considered closed.