(CNA) Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Wu Hsin-shing said on January 15, an Overseas Compatriot Card (OCC) will be issued by the OCAC to overseas compatriot groups that provide members’ list. This new measure will make obtaining an OCC much easier for overseas compatriots.

Making a speech at the 37th and 38th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of Taiwan Association Inc. in Philippines (TAP), Wu stated that, in the near future, if an overseas compatriot group or school provide a name list with members’ signatures to the OCAC, an OCC will be issued to the people on the list.

A member of the TAP put forward this suggestion when having a discussion meeting with Wu. Minister Wu stated “This is a very good idea. We will implement it after we return to the OCAC and you will soon be able to receive an OCC.”The OCC has proven highly popular since its launch in October last year, however, many overseas compatriots have not yet obtained a card because of the requirement that it must be applied for in Taiwan.

The OCC was issued to encourage overseas compatriots to visit Taiwan for tourism to stimulate consumption and boost the domestic economy. Holders of an OCC can enjoy a discount for purchases at specially engaged stores and a special price for a health examination at a hospital.  

Wu said “We issue the OCC to show that the government cares about overseas compatriots. They are welcome to return to Taiwan for tourism, travel and family visits and enjoy the benefits and discounts offered by the OCC.”

At a press conference on January 12, OCAC Chief Secretary Chang Liang-min stated that the OCAC planned to issue 50,000 OCC in the first stage and, to present, 33,000 have been issued; there are over 1600 specially-engaged stores and 66 hospitals included.