[New Chapter of Rights] The "New Residents Basic Law" Passed Third Reading! A Complete Guide to New Residents' Rights, Benefits, and Subsidy Resources

With the increasing diversity of Taiwanese society, the number of marriage immigrants currently in Taiwan has reached nearly 600,000, becoming an important human capital for Taiwan. To ensure the care for this group of "new family members," the Legislative Yuan passed the "New Residents Basic Law" on third reading in July 113 (2024), and the President promulgated it on August 12, 113 (2024). This law not only elevates the policy level but also comprehensively protects the various rights and interests of new residents and their children living in Taiwan. Here is a summary of the key points and practical resources of this law: I. Who are "New Residents"? The Definition Has Broadened! The current legal definition is no longer limited to foreign spouses. According to the "New Residents Basic Law," the scope includes: Marriage immigrants. Professional, technical, or investment immigrants: foreigners residing, having permanent residency, or naturalized in Taiwan. People from Mainland China: those who reside long-term or settle in Taiwan on a special project basis due to economic, technological, or cultural considerations. Residents of Hong Kong and Macau: those residing or settling in Taiwan due to employment, investment, or kinship. Children of New Residents: The legal protection also extends to the children of new residents. II. Eight Major Areas of Rights: Comprehensive Protection The law stipulates that the government shall promote supporting measures in the following eight aspects to ensure that new residents enjoy equal rights and interests in Taiwan: Life Adaptation Counseling: Such as language learning and cultural exchange. Medical and Reproductive Health: Providing assistance related to childbirth and health rights. Employment Rights Protection: Offering employment counseling to prevent workplace discrimination and exploitation. Enhancing Education and Culture: Assisting in integration into the Taiwanese education system. Support for Child Rearing: Providing educational resources and psychological counseling support. Personal Safety Protection: Establishing protection mechanisms against domestic violence and human trafficking. Sound Legal System: Regularly reviewing laws and regulations to ensure equal treatment. Implementing Awareness Campaigns: Enhancing social acceptance and eliminating prejudice and discrimination. III. Practical Government and Civil Resources If you or your friends need assistance, you can utilize the following channels: 1990 Multilingual 24H Hotline: Provides consultation in 7 languages (Mandarin, English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, Cambodian), covering laws, medical care, taxes, and interpretation assistance. New Residents Family Service Centers: There are 42 branches nationwide, offering professional life and psychological counseling. New Residents Development Fund: Subsidizes various social network services and talent development programs. Scholarship and Grant Programs: The Immigration Agency provides scholarships and grants for underprivileged or outstanding new residents and their children. IV. Economic and Financial Support To help new residents settle down and thrive, the government and financial institutions have also provided several loan programs: Micro-Enterprise Phoenix Loan: Up to NT$2 million, with the first two years interest-free. Youth Home Purchase Loan: Up to NT$10 million, to help realize dreams of homeownership. Bank Financial Programs: For example, KGI Bank offers a "Speedy Cash" small personal loan to new residents with Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality, with a credit line of up to NT$1 million, providing flexible working capital. V. Special Note: Progress of the Law's Implementation Although the "New Residents Basic Law" has been promulgated, its effective date is to be determined by the Executive Yuan. Currently, the main law is in a stage where the "final effective date is undetermined." However, the government is actively building systems. For instance, the "Organic Act of the Ministry of the Interior's New Residents Development Administration" came into effect in March 115 (2026), and related supporting measures are continuously being promoted. 📍 Related Information Inquiry Websites: New Residents Empowerment Development Information Network: Scholarships, Training Courses TaiwanJobs: Employment Matching New Residents Digital Information e-Network: Free computer and online courses Source: "What is the New Residents Basic Law? Introduction to the New Residents Basic Law and New Residents Subsidies," KGI Bank. RtiTalk Platform hopes to enable every new resident to take root and shine on this land of Taiwan with peace of mind through information transparency and sharing. If you have any questions, please feel free to follow our project updates!