A Chinese national student who earned a place at National Taiwan University (NTU) through the competitive “Star Recommendation” program is now facing the prospect of leaving the country, unable to enroll due to a rigid residency deadline.
The Residency Conflict
The student, who attended high school in Nantou County, had resided in Taiwan since elementary school. They were permitted to stay and study as a dependent minor of parents who came to Taiwan for investment and business management.
However, upon turning 18, the student legally ceased to be a “minor child.” Under current regulations, this transition results in the immediate loss of the qualification to reside temporarily in Taiwan as a dependent of investing mainland parents.
Official Stance on Exceptions
Liang Wen-chieh, the Deputy Minister and spokesperson for the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), stated during a press conference that the rules regarding the age limit for dependent minors are clear. He emphasized that the MAC will not grant a special exception for this individual.
Liang argued that maintaining a consistent application of the law is essential for fairness, noting that similar cases have occurred in recent years. He stated, “If we craft a special exception for one case, it would be unfair to other cases.”
The Ministry of Education clarified that the situation is a matter of “stopping residence permits” rather than a lack of academic qualification for enrollment. Since the student lost their legal basis for residency upon reaching adulthood, they cannot continue their studies in Taiwan.
Potential Pathways Forward
While the dependent minor status is gone, Liang Wen-chieh suggested that the student may still be able to return to Taiwan under different legal frameworks. Possible options include applying to visit relatives or seeking a different legal status.
the student could potentially apply for a student visa through the Ministry of Education or enter the country as a researcher or trainee. The MAC noted that while the residency as a dependent has ended, the authority to grant university admission remains with the Ministry of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the student unable to attend National Taiwan University?
Although the student was accepted via the “Star Recommendation” program, they lost their legal right to reside in Taiwan because they turned 18, which ended their status as a dependent minor of parents investing in Taiwan.
Will the government make an exception for the student?
No. The Mainland Affairs Council has stated that it will maintain consistency with previous cases and will not grant an exception to ensure fairness for all applicants.
Are there any other ways the student can legally stay in Taiwan?
The MAC suggested the student could explore other legal avenues, such as applying for a student visa through the Ministry of Education, entering as a researcher, or visiting as a relative.
Should academic achievement be considered a valid reason to extend residency permits for dependent children who reach adulthood?
