TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday (July 1), advised Taiwanese travelers to keep the emergency contact number of the nearest Taiwanese embassy or consulate handy when traveling abroad. The advice comes in response to an incident involving a Taiwanese woman who was subjected to a humiliating search by customs officials in Palau on June 17.
The woman, surnamed Li, held a press conference outside the MOFA the previous day, calling on the ministry to negotiate with the Palau government to improve its inspection procedures. Accompanied by members of the New Party (新黨), Li accused Palau customs officials of unjustly subjecting her to a strip search, including an invasive examination of her private parts.
MOFA spokesman Jeff Liu (劉永健) said Taiwanese citizens who encounter unfair treatment in Palau can ask border management officials to contact staff at the Taiwanese embassy.
Li said that while the MOFA and the Taiwanese ambassador to Palau have expressed concern over the incident, they have been unable to provide substantial assistance. The New Party has called on the MOFA to seek justice for Li.
Liu said the MOFA takes the case seriously and has repeatedly contacted the victim to express the government's concern and care.
Liu noted that Palau emphasized that the search was conducted equally for both locals and foreign visitors, not targeting specific individuals or countries. The Taiwanese embassy in Palau has stressed to the Palau government that border enforcement should respect the rights of international travelers and properly explain procedures to those involved.