Taipei: Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that the government is preparing to distribute NT$10,000 (US$328) cash handouts to Taiwanese citizens, including permanent foreign residents. This initiative aims to support individuals amid economic challenges.
According to Focus Taiwan, Premier Cho addressed reporters in Taipei, revealing that the Cabinet will propose a special budget next week for legislative approval. This budget is necessary to access funds from a recently amended special act, which includes provisions for cash handouts. The act is designed to enhance Taiwan's security infrastructure and assist businesses and individuals impacted by new U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese exports.
The amendment, which raises the funding cap to NT$570 billion, was approved by the Legislature in August. Premier Cho expressed hope for the swift passage of the budget bill when the Legislature reconvenes later this month. He emphasized the importance of extending eligibility to permanent foreign residents, a practice followed in previous distributions.
However, a Cabinet official informed CNA that the specifics of the eligibility criteria for the cash handouts have not been finalized. In 2023, the government included permanent residents, foreign residents with Taiwanese spouses, and foreign diplomats and their spouses in a similar NT$6,000 cash handout program.