The ongoing diplomatic discussions regarding the visa application process for Taiwanese citizens traveling to Morocco are currently underway, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Notably, the Moroccan government has halted its visa confirmation letter application services for Taiwanese nationals since July 20, necessitating this letter for any travel to the North African country. The MOFA, represented by the Director-General of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs, Yen Chia-liang, indicated that on July 30, Taiwan responded to this action by suspending visa processing for Moroccan nationals, except for specific cases that have received special approval.
Yen elaborated that special approvals would be granted in four primary scenarios: family visits, educational pursuits, official diplomatic engagements, and medical treatment. When questioned about the underlying reasons for Morocco's policy shift, Yen noted that the rationale remains unclear, suggesting that the requirements for a visa confirmation letter are not exclusive to Taiwanese nationals, indicating that this policy may not be specifically targeted at Taiwan. However, the ministry is actively maintaining communication with Moroccan authorities through various channels, including seeking assistance from allied nations to gain clarity and expedite a resolution to the issue.
In addition to the situation with Morocco, the MOFA also addressed recent incidents involving Taiwanese citizens in Uganda. Reports indicated that two Taiwanese individuals faced passport seizures and were denied entry upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Yen stated that the ministry is aware of these cases and has provided immediate assistance, noting that one individual has since departed Uganda while the other is awaiting further developments. He explained that these actions by Ugandan officials could be linked to Taiwan's earlier decision to suspend visa issuances for Ugandan nationals due to an Ebola outbreak, a policy that similarly affects citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Furthermore, there is speculation that Uganda's government might be adjusting its stance towards Taiwanese nationals in light of its adherence to the
As reported by taipeitimes.com.
