Taiwan considers visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers
- In Reports
- 05:24 PM, Jun 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
In a promising development for Indian travellers, Taiwan is actively considering implementing visa-on-arrival (VOA) for Indian citizens.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang expressed this intention, highlighting India's significant outbound travel and the potential benefits of easing visa procedures.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang announced on Tuesday that Taiwan is actively considering implementing a visa-on-arrival (VOA) for Indian citizens. Speaking to reporters in Taipei, he acknowledged the proposal and emphasised the need for internal discussions with Taiwan's Immigration Department before making a formal decision.
He highlighted the collaborative nature of such a policy change, indicating that it requires coordinated efforts within the government. "Indian citizens travel a lot," Tien Chung-kwang said. "We are considering this (visa-on-arrival). We are going to talk with the Immigration Department. The Government can't single-handedly (do it), we have to discuss internally."
"We have been proposed to have a visa-on-arrival. We are giving very serious consideration," he added, reflecting Taiwan's proactive stance on facilitating tourism and business travel from India.
Since the initiation of India's "Look East Policy" in early 1991, Taiwan and India have begun to approach each other, leading to the loosening of visa restrictions.
This development follows Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister's strong rejection of China's objection to recent exchanges between Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Modi's election win. "I am sure Modi ji and our President will not be intimidated by that reaction," said the Deputy Foreign Minister of Taiwan.
The Chinese Embassy in India recently reiterated its stance that Taiwan is an "inalienable part" of China. The embassy's spokesperson emphasised that the one-China principle is a universally recognised norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community.
The economic partnership between India and Taiwan has grown significantly in recent years. Taiwan considers India a critical partner under its 'New Southbound Policy'. Both countries have also signed a migration agreement allowing Indian workers to be employed in Taiwanese industries.
In a stern warning to China, Lai Ching-te called on Beijing to stop intimidating the island nation, over which China continues to assert its claim.
Image source: ANI
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