Launching official complaint ARC/Visa - Please Join

[the bear]

I suspect the OP and his friends are from some "non-standard" background.....since this site has come out 100% in favor of the NIA could the OP illuminate us?

[Confuzius]

I suspect the OP and his friends are from some "non-standard" background.....since this site has come out 100% in favor of the NIA could the OP illuminate us?

Also notice it is the OP's first and ONLY post.

I suspect he did something stupid or illegal, got screwed for it (rightfully so) and decided to come on here and look for some way to lash back by finding support.

[neesh]

I am also one of those who held a work related ARC for over 20 years. With no breaks! Sure, there were hoops for my bosses to jump through in the beginning, but the process had gotten so easy I never bothered to apply for an APRC or JFRV until last year. I finally got my APRC at the beginning of the year. And sadly, my quest to break the Guinness record for most AIDS and VD tests, and TB chest x-rays has ended. I have never had an unpleasant or troublesome experience dealing with NIA or the Foreign affairs police when processing my ARCs or those of my children.

I too am curious to know exactly what kinds of obstacles the OP has had when dealing with NIA.

And yeah, TECRO could be a bit more professional. When I sent the translation of my FBI arrest record to the Washington DC TECRO office at the end of 2011 for notarization, they told me to get the Chinese translation notarized here in Taiwan. Did they send me an official letter describing the new policy regarding notarization of that document? Nope! They scribbled a few words (in Chinese) on a small yellow post-it note and sent it to me along with my authenticated FBI arrest record.

[navillus]

Hello,

"We a group of foreigners who ....."

"The NIA is department that is in charged of issuing visas, work permits and ARCs."

"This causes people to go with health insurance, ...."

I realize my grammar and spelling skills are not exactly top notch, but this didn't sound like it was coming from even the worst of the run of the mill English teachers.

I just got my ARC in the mail today, 4 days ahead of schedule. Fourteen years without a glitch. I wish government offices in Canada ran with such efficiency. The nice lady there even helped me make photocopies of the stuff that I was supposed to have copied myself. Smiling helps, and also bringing along your cute 8 year old.

[Zla'od]

No problems for me, either. Yes, the APRC is a pain to apply for, but that's not the bureaucrats' fault--they're just doing their jobs. They even bent a few rules for me.

While I was waiting in the office, I overheard this one guy--Australian, as I recall, a professional-looking guy in a suit--who lost his temper with the staff, apparently for not giving him his APRC that day. He just didn't understand the requirements. I thought about helping him out, but his attitude discouraged me from trying. Anyway, don't let this be you.

[bigduke6]

I must admit, getting my JFRV was as simple and pain free process. Getting the documents together was the headache. Dealings with NIA were quite pain free. The same with my renewal.

[Belgian Pie]

Hello,

We a group of foreigners who are launching an official complaint to the Director of Taiwan National Immigration Agency (NIA). We would like your support and to hear you stories. (The NIA is department that is in charged of issuing visas, work permits and ARCs.)

...
MMM

No, they don't issue visas and work permits! Just ARC's and APRC's.

[sandman]

25 years. Never had a problem. Rules seem pretty clear-cut to me. "Almost every foreigner?" Really? Doesn't seem that way from this thread.

[niaoahgin]

In my experience (making yearly trips to renew my ARC), I have never faced anything even approaching disrespect, inefficiency, or anything but the most attentive and professional service. In fact, the personnel have been so kind and generous, that I feel they deserve a petition for official commendation rather than complaint. In the last few years, I have experienced:

1. Staff members taking me out to lunch, twice, and introducing me to a prospective date (match-making).
2. Completely candid and fair treatment when I failed to renew my ARC before the deadline (I had to pay the minimum fine, but was treated to hot tea, jovial banter, and tales of many a belligerent foreigner).
3. Service, hospitality, and genuine rapport (every year) that results in me going back in person to pick up my ARC instead of having it sent through the mail.

Above all, I have been impressed with the professionalism and honesty of the personnel. A couple of times I failed to bring the appropriate documents (i.e., evidence of residence, proof of enrollment), and was required to return with those documents before the application could be processed. The staff knew the requirements to the letter and ensured that every condition was met. NIA staff lack neither knowledge nor empathy. However, they are part of a bureaucratic system that demands following strict rules and limits the autonomy of individual officers.

My recommendation: Instead of blowing a fuse and throwing a tantrum (something that I have seen done more than once during my visits), smile. Ask them for specifics of what you need to do to complete the process, thank them for their patience, and realize that (in the midst of a system that demands strict adherence to ever-changing rules) these civil servants deal with more assholes per day than a dozen proctologists.

[ichbinjenny]

I've had near-breakdowns at the Taipei office and the ladies were super nice and calm about it. Everyone has been extremely nice and personable. The guys in Taichung who handle foreigners get a giant gold star from me -- they laugh and joke and make small talk while they process paperwork. A few years ago, one woman processing forms in the waiting area got up and cheered along with a friend when he got his visa after a troubling process (his fault). Nope, no complaints.

I think the OP should think whether it is NIA that is causing problems or the person applying for his documents.

The NYC TECO staff are dreadful, as others have mentioned. One told me that Taiwan was too small for me to want to spend more than two weeks here. Ha. (The ladies at the Japan office were wonderful, though, giving me suggestions for where to find a nice lunch nearby.)