Opinion by Lin Li-Chan: As an immigrant nation, the government must address the needs of dedicated civil servants for new resident affairs

Part One: Introduction

Taiwan's New Residents Basic Act was officially promulgated on August 12, 2024 (Minguo Year 113). Nearly two years after its promulgation, the Act remains unimplemented due to the Executive Yuan's failure to designate an enforcement date—a point previously highlighted in the author's earlier article (see: Lin Li-Chan's Perspective: The Practice and Implementation of the New Residents Basic Act). This delay has significantly impacted the recruitment and appointment of civil servants dedicated to new resident affairs, a critical issue for both the public and government agencies, and one that undermines the Act’s effectiveness across various departments.

Part Two: Civil Service Recruitment and Appointment

We understand the principle that 'success depends on people.' Without a fair and compliant selection process, the implementation of the New Residents Basic Act risks remaining mere rhetoric. Therefore, promoting and realizing new residents’ rights requires capable individuals to execute policies and make decisions.

Regarding civil service recruitment and appointment, Article 2 of the Civil Service Employment Act states: 'The employment of civil servants shall be based on professionalism, specialization, suitability, and proper placement, emphasizing both initial appointments and promotions to ensure optimal alignment between personnel and duties.' This indicates that civil servants must be selected and appointed based on criteria such as expertise, professionalism, suitability, and proper fit. Furthermore, according to Article 6 of the same Act, the duties, responsibilities, and required qualifications for civil service positions within government agencies are defined by organizational regulations.

Statements such as 'only someone with a new resident background can do this job well' and 'those who speak foreign languages can communicate with us and are better suited for this role' reflect growing public discussion on the identity, knowledge, and skills required for these specialized roles. Regardless of the final outcome, these discussions underscore the need for central ministries to seriously address this issue.

Part Three: Acknowledging Taiwan as an 'Immigrant Nation'

The term 'immigrant nation' originates from U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s 1958 book, A Nation of Immigrants, which argues that 'immigration is the foundation of America' and advocates for open immigration policies. This is not merely a legal slogan but a practical embrace of diversity across historical, economic, social, and cultural dimensions, ultimately fostering new cultural identities.

In Taiwan’s case, historically, the island has always been a destination for diverse ethnic groups, rulers, and settlers. In today’s globalized era, increasing numbers of people from different nationalities live, work, and study here, many settling permanently. According to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior’s Immigration Agency as of May 2026, Taiwan’s new resident population has exceeded 620,000—approximately 2.6% of the total population—confirming its status as a de facto 'immigrant nation.'

In the 21st century, an era that values human rights, Taiwan’s government should seriously recognize its identity as an 'immigrant nation,' especially when compared to the proactive stance taken by past U.S. leaders.

Part Four: Failure to Implement a Civil Service System for New Resident Affairs

As established, Taiwan is already an 'immigrant nation.' However, there remains no clear system for recruiting and appointing civil servants dedicated to new resident affairs.

According to the Civil Service Employment Act, civil service appointments should be based on expertise, professionalism, suitability, and proper placement, with standards defined by organizational regulations. Although the Organizational Act of the Department of New Resident Development, Ministry of the Interior, was promulgated on December 10, 2025 (Minguo 114), and took effect on March 10, 2026 (Minguo 115), the 'Staffing Table for the Department of New Resident Development' has yet to be formally established. There is also no recruitment or appointment policy for dedicated civil servants in new resident affairs. Moreover, the New Residents Basic Act—the foundational law for new residents’ rights—has been enacted and promulgated for nearly two years but still lacks an enforcement date, preventing the implementation of a dedicated civil service system.

Part Five: Conclusion

Without setting an enforcement date for the New Residents Basic Act, establishing the staffing framework for the competent authority, or creating a recruitment and appointment system for civil servants in new resident affairs, how can new resident policies be effectively planned, researched, consulted, coordinated, and promoted? How can the rights of new residents be protected?

*The author is a former legislator.