Recently rejected asylum applications from Burmese nationals were discussed during a policy seminar on Monday, July 20. The Taiwan Association for Human Rights and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) convened the event to develop concrete recommendations for Taiwan’s immigration and labor system reform.

Experts, scholars, and public sector representatives addressed the series of problems arising from asylum seekers' inability to obtain residency and work permits on the grounds of asylum and forced overstay. Ideas such as a "temporary alien registration certificate" were suggested to improve asylum mechanisms.

In her opening remarks, NHRC member Chi Hui-jung (紀惠容) pointed out that asylum seekers may be forced to leave their home countries due to factors such as race, politics, religion, or war. She said Article 14 of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly states, “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution,” underscoring that this is not only an international human rights requirement, but also the international community’s shared commitment to human dignity. Therefore, she said, regardless of their nationality, status, or legal position, asylum seekers’ basic freedoms, safety, work, health, and dignity should be respected and protected.