Taiwan calls on nationals to postpone trips to Uganda
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday called on Taiwanese travelers to postpone trips to Uganda following a new visa incident at the African country’s main airport.
In early August, a Taiwanese resident had his passport confiscated at Entebbe International Airport, while a tourist was turned away after being refused entry. In a new incident Wednesday, a Taiwanese business traveler and his two relatives were told to show Chinese passports in order to have their Taiwanese passports returned, the ministry said in a statement.
The three travelers were allowed to enter Uganda, but immigration officials told them the request was part of the country’s “one China policy.” The ministry said its representative office in Somaliland and the association of Taiwanese businesses in Uganda immediately provided assistance to the travelers.
Even though the Ugandan government has not announced any changes to its visa policies for Taiwanese visitors, the ministry said travelers should evaluate the risks when planning a trip to the East African country. The ministry also advised Taiwanese residents to stay in contact with the Taiwanese office in Somaliland.
Nearly 70 Taiwanese nationals reside in Uganda, while around 35 Taiwanese-invested companies operate in the country and create local jobs, the ministry said. Tourism from Taiwan has also been rising in recent years.
The ministry called on the Ugandan government to respect Taiwan’s sovereignty and refrain from imposing unreasonable entry restrictions.
Taiwan News
