Chinese Woman Suffers Brain Injury During Family Visit in Taiwan; Nantou Grandmother Appeals to Immigration Agency for Help

Central News Agency Report (Reporter: Hsiao Po-yang, Nantou County, July 14)

A Chinese national suffered a brain injury after falling during a family visit in Taiwan, rendering her unable to stand or speak. As a result, she overstayed her permitted duration and faced potential deportation. Her grandmother, referred to as Grandma Hua, tearfully appealed to the immigration authorities for assistance. After reviewing the individual case and medical documentation, the National Immigration Agency extended her stay under the category of 'special emergency circumstances.'

The Nantou County Service Station of the Ministry of the Interior's National Immigration Agency stated today that an elderly woman, worried that her seriously ill and incapacitated Chinese granddaughter, Xiao Hua (a pseudonym), would be forcibly deported due to overstaying, visited the service station and broke down in tears. Staff members listened carefully, reviewed the case in accordance with relevant regulations, confirmed eligibility for an extension, and assisted in preparing the necessary documents to extend her stay.

According to the Nantou County Service Station, Xiao Hua, who came from China, has epilepsy and requires long-term medication to manage her condition. After her parents' divorce, she traveled to Taiwan to visit relatives. Unfortunately, she fell during her stay, sustaining a brain injury. She remains unable to stand independently or speak normally. The elderly woman, having focused on caring for her critically ill granddaughter, failed to notice the expiration of her granddaughter's stay, resulting in an overstay.

When the grandmother visited the service station, the thought of her granddaughter potentially being deported overwhelmed her with guilt and helplessness. After only a few sentences, she burst into tears. The handling officer immediately comforted her gently and provided emotional support. After legally confirming eligibility for a stay extension, the agency successfully secured an extension for Xiao Hua. The service station emphasized that its staff uphold the law while demonstrating the government's humanitarian spirit.

Shao Chien-hsuan, Director of the Nantou County Service Station, stated that handling various residency applications requires not only familiarity with immigration laws but also keen observation and empathy to identify and assist the public's needs in a timely manner. He reminded foreign nationals residing or staying in Taiwan to monitor the validity of their documents and permits to avoid unintentional overstays that could affect their rights. In cases of illness, family emergencies, or other special urgent circumstances, individuals should promptly consult the National Immigration Agency. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150714