Multiple cases of Taiwanese nationals being denied entry into Uganda, a country in East Africa, have recently been reported. One Taiwanese tourist arriving in early August was refused entry by Ugandan immigration officials and immediately deported on the same flight. Another Taiwanese national holding a valid work visa had their passport confiscated upon entry by local law enforcement and has not received it back.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it has fully understood the situation. It stated that the incidents may stem from Taiwan's earlier decision to suspend visa issuance and restrict entry for Ugandan nationals due to the rising Ebola outbreak, effective June 2. In response, Ugandan authorities have reportedly imposed reciprocal entry restrictions on Taiwanese travelers, leading to the recent cases of passport confiscation and deportation.
The ROC Representative Office in Somaliland, which concurrently handles Ugandan affairs, has immediately contacted the Taiwan Business Association in Uganda to provide necessary care and assistance to affected individuals and to fully safeguard the rights of Taiwanese nationals.
Given the ongoing volatility in Uganda's entry policies, the Ministry urges Taiwanese citizens planning travel to Uganda to carefully assess the associated risks. In the event of emergencies or distress while in Uganda, individuals may seek immediate support through the following channels:
- Emergency Assistance Hotline, ROC Representative Office in Somaliland: +252-636-292-616 - MOFA 24-Hour Overseas Compatriot Service Hotline: +886-800-085-095
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- Source: PR Times
- Category: News