(FWA 2025/10/01)The Ministry of the Interior(MOI) has announced a new management system for foreign nationals, effective October 1st. Under this new policy, any foreigner or national without household registration in Taiwan who has overstayed their visa or residence permit will receive a 50% reduction in their fine if they turn themselves in to the authorities before being apprehended. This encourages individuals who have overstayed to voluntarily report to immigration or public security agencies to facilitate their timely return to their home countries.
The amendment to the penalty reduction standards now includes “willingness to depart the country voluntarily and pay the fine as required” as grounds for a reduced penalty. This serves as an incentive for overstaying non-household-registered nationals and foreigners to come forward. Concurrently, national security agencies will intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend overstayers.
The Ministry of the Interior stated that this amendment establishes a clear and permanent legal framework. They urge all overstaying non-household-registered nationals and foreigners to stop living in hiding. After completing the reporting process, paying the reduced fine, and departing within the specified timeframe, they can return to their home countries without worry.
According to the revised articles, to qualify for the fine reduction, individuals who turn themselves in must not only pay the fine as required but also cooperate with all departure procedures. The explanatory notes for the amendment clarify that these procedures include securing funds for a plane ticket, applying for a travel document for return, booking a flight, and departing by the given deadline.
A new provision also includes an exception: individuals who have overstayed their residence permit for less than 30 days and whose original reason for residency still exists may reapply for residency after paying the penalty. This group is not eligible for the fine reduction.
Furthermore, if an individual who has turned themselves in fails to pay the fine by the deadline, apply for necessary documents, or depart the country within the specified period, the reduced penalty will be revoked, and they will be required to pay the full original fine.
