More than 9,400 foreign nationals in Taiwan register for automated immigration system

More than 9,400 foreign nationals living in Taiwan have registered to use the recently introduced automated immigration clearance system.

According to a report in The China Post, As of May 27, 40,459 entries and exits had been made through the eGate system by foreign residents in Taiwan. Altogether, over 5.08 million entries and exists by both Taiwanese and foreign nationals have been recorded through the eGates since the system was launched in 2011.

Reported previously in BiometricUpdate.com, the National Immigration Agency in Taiwan has expressed desires to establish a biometric identification system for foreigners in the country, though it’s unclear if this is the same system.

Reported in Focus Taiwan, Taiwan Solidary Union caucus whip Huang Wen-ling said the agency spent US$1.2 million in 2008 to set up a three-in-one biometric identification system, relying on fingerprint, face and retina biometrics at major airports in Taiwan. This system applies only to Taiwan passport holders and those holding alien residence permits.

According to Chen Chien-cheng, the deputy commander of the Agency’s Border Affairs Corps, the NIA asked for US$6 million (NT$180 million) to set up a biometric identification system for foreigners and has been allocated US$2.5 million (NT$73 million) for 2013.

In April, the Taiwanese Ministry of the Interior announced that it would begin using a biometric system at border control points, as soon as the end of this year. 

Article Topics

eGates  |  identity verification  |  immigration