Taiwan to Tighten Entry Screening for Arrivals After Passport Case

Taiwan has confirmed that the woman accused of spying for China entered the island using a Hong Kong passport, and her permit has since been revoked. National Immigration Agency Director-General Lin Horng-en said the authorities held her entry and exit records, while Taiwan's Interior Minister said the case will prompt a review of how entry checks are carried out.

Key facts

• The woman, identified as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, entered Taiwan on a Hong Kong passport
• Her permit has been revoked, making it impossible for her to enter Taiwan again
• She is currently overseas, according to Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang
• Holders of mainland Chinese passports must apply for special permission to travel to Taiwan; entry on a Hong Kong passport is easier
• Taiwan plans to review pre-screening, interim spot checks and interviews, and post-visit measures

What did Taiwan's immigration authorities say?

Lin Horng-en told reporters that the government's relevant agencies were fully informed of the relevant records and information, and that the authorities were aware of all her entry and exit records.

Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang told parliament that Alice Huang did enter the country but is currently overseas. He said that if the authorities had known she was a spy, they would not have let her enter Taiwan, and confirmed that her permit has now been revoked.

Why does the passport matter?

Entering Taiwan on a Hong Kong passport is easier than on a mainland Chinese passport, as mainland Chinese passport holders are required to apply for special permission to travel to the island. The restrictions exist because China claims control over Taiwan, while Hong Kong and China operate under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, which gives Hong Kong autonomy to work under its own laws and regulations.

What is Taiwan reviewing?

Liu said the authorities will review their procedures, specifically pre-screening, interim spot checks and interviews, and post-visit measures. No timetable for the review has been announced. He also said national security units are actively investigating the matter.

What this means for travellers

The case centres on one individual, and the source does not announce any new visa or entry requirements for Hong Kong or mainland Chinese passport holders. Travellers should, however, expect entry screening procedures in Taiwan to be examined, and can check the current rules for their own passport before travelling.

The woman is a former senior executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed. US investigators believe she used her access at the company to transfer Nvidia chips to China, an allegation Beijing has denied. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Nvidia are examining the controversy, and the Nvidia board has confirmed it opened an investigation into its chief executive.