Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council defends HK visa process
Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) defended its process of reviewing applications from Hong Kong district councillors who applied to visit Taiwan but had yet to receive approval.
At least two of Hong Kong's district councillors from the pan-democracy camp have been waiting months for their applications to be approved, according to local media reports.
The MAC said all cases are reviewed based on regulations to maintain public order and security, adding that whoever meets the requirements would be approved.
The councillors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they thought the delay was related to their oaths to be loyal to the Hong Kong Basic Law and the government of the special administrative region of China.
One of the councillors said they booked a ticket to Taiwan in February but could not obtain a temporary permit.
The councillor went to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong, where they were asked to submit a work certificate and planned itinerary, it said, adding that their application has neither been approved nor rejected.
The other councillor said they had originally planned to visit Taiwan with family in January but were denied a temporary permit when they applied online due to "occupation" concerns.
They then applied at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong, but have received no response.