National Immigration Administration: The number of "first-time visitors" from Taiwan entering the country increased by 40.9% year-on-year. The policy facilitating entry for Taiwanese compatriots is well-received.

L Ning, spokesperson of the National Immigration Administration and Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Department, stated at a press conference on January 28 that in order to further facilitate the travel of Taiwanese residents to and from the mainland, especially to provide practical convenience for first-time visitors from Taiwan to the mainland for exchanges and visits, the National Immigration Administration will implement a policy of exempting document fees for processing Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan residents in the "First-Time Visitor" category starting from July 1, 2025. This policy has been widely welcomed and highly praised by Taiwanese residents, and the number of applicants and travelers to the mainland has seen significant growth, achieving positive results in promoting exchanges between people on both sides of the strait. Firstly, the number of applicants in the "First-Time Visitor" category has significantly increased. According to statistics, since the implementation of the policy until the end of last year, the number of first-time visitors from Taiwan applying for permits has increased by 25.9% on a month-on-month basis and by 57.2% year-on-year. The number of Taiwan residents applying for permits has also continued to grow, with a month-on-month increase of 5.2% and a year-on-year increase of 11.9%, indicating a clear increase in the willingness of Taiwan residents to travel to and exchange with the mainland. Secondly, the number of "First-Time Visitors" traveling to and from the mainland has continued to increase. In the second half of last year, the number of first-time visitors from Taiwan entering the mainland increased by 32.9% month-on-month and by 40.9% year-on-year. During the same period, the number of Taiwan residents entering the mainland increased by 14.3% month-on-month and by 24.4% year-on-year, indicating that more and more Taiwan residents are actively supporting and participating in cross-strait exchanges. Thirdly, the lives of "First-Time Visitors" in the mainland have become more convenient. While exempting the document fees for first-time visitors from Taiwan, we have further improved the system and policies for Taiwan residents to enjoy equal treatment, issuing temporary travel permits to Taiwan residents who have lost or damaged their Mainland Travel Permit and urgently need to take a plane or train. We also provide "double document verification" services for Taiwan residents with Mainland Travel Permit and Residence Permit. Additionally, we continue to provide free real-time identity verification services for Taiwan residents, making it easier for first-time visitors to enjoy convenient services in various fields such as transportation, finance, and telecommunications in the mainland. L Ning stated that the National Immigration Administration will study and introduce more innovative policies and measures to facilitate the travel of Taiwan residents, including "First-Time Visitors" and Taiwanese youth, to the mainland, creating better conditions for exchanges between people on both sides of the strait and promoting deeper integration and development in various fields between the two sides.