DEMOCRACY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Democracy

        Taiwan is a thriving democracy that promotes the rule of law.  In recent years, international students and residents have witnessed

dramatic political reforms.   Now the president, legislators, and city mayors are directly elected.  Freedom of speech has allowed Taiwanese

to openly express themselves and share constructive criticisms.

National Health Insurance

With the development in social economy and the implementation of National Health Insurance, Taiwan’s medical standard and the

quality of healthcare have been upgraded significantly. Foreigners in Taiwan are also able to enjoy those high quality medical services.

From July 17th 1999, foreigners with an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) who have resided in Taiwan for more than four

months are required to enroll in the NHI program they must go to their local (city/district/town/village) administration office with

their Alien Resident Certificate to enroll in the NHI Program.

Foreigners, losing their residence status because they no longer hold a valid ARC or because of not returning back to Taiwan, will

also lose their right to participate the NHI program. They must withdraw their subscription to the NHI program through their group

insurance applicants (their employers or local administration offices) and then return their NHI card to their applicants and

pay up the premiums in full before leaving Taiwan.

When traveling overseas for a short period of time, either on business or on vacation, and then returning to Taiwan with a valid

ARC, foreigners must remain enrolled in the NHI program.

Environmental Protection

Economic progress in Taiwan has led to greater public awareness of the issue “environmental protection” and various actions have been taken

to reduce pollution on the island. Reducing pollution requires mutual cooperation between the people and the government to reach, the goal

of "azure skies, green earth, blue mountains, and clear waters."

      The following are some of Taiwan’s environmental achievements: Recycling is currently practiced everywhere in Taiwan. In addition public    

     transportation, subways and monorails, are being built in major cities. The system Taipei is nearly completed and has already reduced the traffic

     and air problems considerately. Strict laws against factories disposing polluted water into rivers have been passed. Children must take recycling

      and pollution prevention courses at school. Retailers are discouraged from giving away free plastic bags. Even fast food restaurants encourage

     patrons to sort their garbage.

   ØØBACK