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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Economy & Trade

Taiwan Considers Passport Fee Hike After 12 Years as Costs Rise

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data New plan
  • Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering adjusting passport fees, which have remained unchanged for 12 years.
  • A recent audit report revealed that the production cost of a chip-enabled passport is NT$1648, exceeding the current fee of NT$1300.
  • The ministry plans to review and adjust passport fees in accordance with regulations, while also pursuing digital transformation to reduce labor costs.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reviewing its passport fees, which have been frozen for 12 years, due to rising production costs. A recent audit report highlighted that the cost to produce a chip-enabled passport has reached NT$1648, significantly higher than the current fee of NT$1300 for adults and NT$900 for those under 14.

The audit also noted that the cost for non-chip passports is NT$585, which is more than the current fee of US$10, and does not even cover the cost of purchasing blank passports. The ministry acknowledged the need to adjust the fees and will review them according to the "Fee Act."

The current passport fee standard has not been adjusted for 12 years and should be comprehensively reviewed.

— Audit ReportThe audit report pointed out the need for a review of passport fees due to the prolonged period without adjustments.

Furthermore, the ministry is embarking on a digital transformation of its passport issuance system, which has been in place since 1995. This multi-year project aims to streamline the process through online form filling, paperless workflows, intelligent production, reduced manpower, and digitized analysis. The goal is to enhance efficiency and lower labor costs associated with passport production.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review passport fees in accordance with relevant regulations and consider adjusting the fee standards.

— Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe ministry's response to the audit report, indicating its commitment to reviewing and potentially adjusting passport fees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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