Taiwan's Gold Card Under Scrutiny: YouTuber's Entry Ban Highlights Rules

A cautionary tale for foreign professionals as immigration authorities clarify Gold Card regulations following a high-profile case.

Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) has issued clarifications regarding the Employment Gold Card program following the recent case of a US-based YouTuber, LeLe Farley, who was barred from entering Taiwan for six years. The incident sheds light on the importance of adhering to work permit regulations for all foreign nationals, even those holding or in the process of obtaining the coveted Gold Card.

LeLe Farley, a popular content creator with over 420,000 subscribers, detailed his experience in a video published on his channel. Despite having received approval for his Employment Gold Card, Farley was denied entry at Los Angeles International Airport. The reason, as reported by local media, stemmed from his participation in two Taiwanese political talk shows during a 2023 visit, activities undertaken without the required work permits.

The Taipei Department of Labor reported the case, citing Article 43 of the Employment Service Act, which mandates that foreigners must obtain an employment permit before engaging in any work activities. Because Farley had already left Taiwan, the case was referred to the NIA, which subsequently imposed a six-year entry ban under the Operation Directions for the Entry Bans on Foreign Nationals.

Farley, who had applied for his Gold Card in November, expressed his disappointment, highlighting his intentions to reside in Taiwan and contribute as a cultural bridge between Taiwan and the US. He stated that being turned away at the airport shattered his dreams and was “very cruel.” He said he regrets the mistake he made out of ignorance.

The NIA revoked Farley's Gold Card, confirming that he no longer met the program's requirements. However, there is a potential pathway to reconsideration. If the Ministry of Culture, the responsible authority for the “Culture and Arts” category under which Farley's card was issued, determines he is a “foreign professional urgently needed in Taiwan,” he could apply for an exemption from the entry ban. Additionally, once the travel restrictions are lifted and he meets the Gold Card requirements, he could reapply.

Launched in 2018 by the National Development Council, the Employment Gold Card program is designed to attract skilled foreign professionals to live and work in Taiwan. The card streamlines the process by combining a resident visa, open work permit, Alien Resident Certificate, and re-entry permit. This incident serves as a reminder for all applicants and cardholders to fully understand and comply with all relevant Taiwanese labor laws.