Taiwan seen to extend visa-free access for Pinoys —report

Taiwan seen to extend visa-free access for Pinoys —report

Taiwan is expected to extend its visa-free treatment to citizens of four countries, including the Philippines, Focus Taiwan reported on Monday, citing local media CNA.
The report quoted Minister without Portfolio Chang Ching-sen as saying that the final decision will still have to be approved by the Cabinet.
The visa-free program for the Philippines started on November 1, 2017 and was extended to last until July 31, 2019 in an effort to increase tourist arrivals in Taiwan.
Aside from the Philippines, covered by the program are Thailand, Brunei and Russia.
The Focus Taiwan report said the decision to extend the program was reached during a recent meeting led by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Citing statistics from Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, the report said visitors from the Philippines increased 12.46% in the first four months of 2019 compared from a year earlier.
Reached for comment, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan said it is still waiting for the decision of the Taiwanese Cabinet.
"The final decision will still have to be approved by the Cabinet," it told GMA News Online via Facebook. "We will update our news on our website for future developments." —KBK, GMA News

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