Taiwan region has announced to freeze the entry of Hong Kong and Macao residents as of 11 February 2020. In response to the measure and to make proper arrangements accordingly, the Higher Education Bureau (DSES) launched an online registration system at 7pm today (10th) to gain a better understanding of the number of affected students. As at 10pm tonight, there are 926 students registered. DSES calls on Macao students studying in Taiwan who have been affected to register as soon as possible.

Data show that among the students registered, there are 889 undergraduate students, 34 master’s students and 3 PhD students. Most of them study at Ming Chuan University, Taiwan Normal University, Soochow University, Taiwan University, Tamkang University, Chinese Culture University, Chengchi University, Fu Jen Catholic University, Chung Yuan Christian University, or Chung Cheng University, among other higher education institutions. Initially, they planned to return to Taiwan between 12 and 17 February.

DSES is now calling on the students who have been affected by the measure to register as soon as possible on the website of DSES (https://aeees.dses.gov.mo/TWData/). Required information includes attending institution, major, year of study, basic contact information, planned date of departure, the airline and time of departure of the original flight, and so on.

It is also understood that certain non-official body, non-government organisation or individual is collecting relevant students’ information via online social platforms. DSES hereby reiterates that it has never used any other means nor entrusted any other body or organisation to collect information in relation to the new entry measure adopted by Taiwan. Therefore, all students and their families should be reminded to make the registration through the DSES website. Please do not provide personal information on any non-official website or social platform, lest the information be used illegitimately or leaked. As for the information collected by DSES, it is used for statistical purposes only so as to facilitate relevant government departments to follow up and to make relevant arrangements for students in the future.

In addition, with the aid of the Civil Aviation Authority, all airlines concerned have been approached immediately for the coordination of flight ticketing. We would like to express gratitude toward Air Macau and EVA Air for their agreement to allow affected students to change the dates of their flights with no fees. The other airline is still in process.

DSES will keep abreast of the latest developments of the matter and will keep closely in touch with the Association of Macau College Student in Taiwan, Macau Overseas College Students Service of Caritas Macau, and Macao & Taiwan Youth Exchange Promotion Association. For enquires, please contact DSES by phone 2834-5403.