[Politics] Uganda Blocks Entry for Passport Holders, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Urges Citizens to Postpone Travel
RtiTalk 小編9d ago
Regarding the unreasonable demands and obstruction by the African nation of Uganda, which is implementing its "One China Policy" against our citizens holding our passports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed grave concern today (13th). MOFA urges the Ugandan government not to adopt inappropriate entry restrictions due to political factors, which would affect normal bilateral exchanges and interests. At the same time, it calls on our citizens to postpone their travel to Uganda in the near future, and for those already in Uganda to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with the Representative Office in Somaliland. #Reported by Reporter Wang Chao-kun#
MOFA received notification that following the detention of passports by immigration officials for two citizens at Entebbe Airport in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, with one being repatriated, on the afternoon of August 12th local time, three Taiwanese businesspeople and their family members holding our passports were subjected to passport detention by Ugandan airport immigration officials upon entry. Although they were later allowed to enter, their passports were unreasonably demanded to be stamped with Chinese passports before they could be returned, with the officials stating this was in implementation of Uganda's "One China Policy".
MOFA stated that it has grasped the relevant situation immediately. The Representative Office in Somaliland, which concurrently handles Uganda, and the Ugandan Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce have immediately provided necessary care and assistance to the affected citizens.
MOFA pointed out that there are currently nearly 70 citizens in Uganda, with about 35 Taiwanese-invested enterprises contributing to local job creation. In recent years, the number of Taiwanese tourists visiting Uganda has also shown an upward trend, driving considerable economic benefits. MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei said: "(Original sound) MOFA is gravely concerned about the recent obstruction of entry for our citizens at Ugandan airports and urges the Ugandan government to face the international reality that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state, separate from the People's Republic of China. It should not adopt inappropriate entry restrictions due to political factors, which would affect normal bilateral exchanges and interests."
MOFA stated that the Ugandan government has not yet officially announced any adjustments to its visa and entry regulations for our citizens. However, considering the recent incidents of entry obstruction for travelers holding our passports, MOFA urges citizens to carefully assess the necessity and potential risks and postpone their travel to Uganda. It also reminds citizens in Uganda to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with our Representative Office in Somaliland.
MOFA emphasized that the Representative Office in Somaliland and other relevant representative offices will continue to understand the situation through various channels, negotiate and coordinate with the Ugandan government, and continue to monitor and provide necessary assistance to affected citizens.
MOFA reminds that if you encounter danger or emergencies in Uganda, please call the emergency assistance hotline of our Representative Office in Somaliland (+252-636-292-616) or the MOFA's service hotline (+886-800-085-095) for necessary assistance.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=226054
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