[Politics] Uganda Demands Taiwanese Use Chinese Passports for Entry Stamps; Ministry of Foreign Affairs Expresses Grave Concern
RtiTalk 小編9d ago
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated today (13th) that Uganda, citing the "One China Principle," is demanding that Taiwanese citizens must use Chinese passports for entry stamps before their Taiwanese passports will be returned. MOFA expresses grave concern over this matter and urges Uganda to recognize the sovereign independence of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
MOFA pointed out that it received a report following the previous detention of passports of two Taiwanese individuals at Entebbe Airport in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, with one being repatriated. On the afternoon of the 12th local time, three Taiwanese businesspeople and their families, holding Taiwanese passports, were again subjected to passport detention by Ugandan immigration officials upon arrival at the capital's airport. Although they were later allowed to enter, they were unreasonably asked to present Chinese passports with entry stamps before their Taiwanese passports would be returned, with officials stating this was in accordance with Uganda's "One China Policy."
MOFA stated that it became aware of the situation immediately. The Representative Office in Somaliland, which concurrently covers Uganda, and the Ugandan Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce have provided necessary care and assistance to the affected individuals.
MOFA explained that the Ugandan government has not yet formally announced any adjustments to its visa and entry regulations for Taiwanese nationals. However, considering several recent cases of entry obstruction for travelers holding Taiwanese passports, it urges individuals to carefully assess the necessity and potential risks before traveling to Uganda and to postpone their trips for the time being. It also reminds Taiwanese residing in Uganda to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with the Representative Office in Somaliland. The Representative Office in Somaliland and other relevant missions will continue to gather information through various channels, engage in discussions and coordination with the Ugandan government, and provide ongoing attention and necessary assistance.
MOFA mentioned that there are currently about 70 Taiwanese individuals in Uganda, with approximately 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 is gravely concerned about the recent entry obstructions faced by Taiwanese nationals at Ugandan airports and urges the Ugandan government to recognize the sovereign independence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the international reality that it is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. It implores them not to adopt inappropriate entry restrictions due to political reasons, which would affect normal bilateral exchanges and interests.
MOFA reminds that if you encounter danger or an emergency in Uganda, please call the emergency assistance number for the Representative Office in Somaliland: +252-636-292-616, or the MOFA's "Overseas Compatriot Emergency Service Hotline": +886-800-085-095, to receive necessary assistance.
The Consular Affairs Bureau of MOFA has issued a "Level 4: Red - Leave Immediately" travel advisory for Uganda, originally due to the rapid development of the Ebola international epidemic. Additionally, Morocco, which has suspended the acceptance of "Visa Confirmation Letter (VCL)" applications from Taiwanese nationals, had its travel advisory adjusted to "Level 3: Orange - Avoid Travel" on the 7th. (Editor: Song Wanyuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=226034
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