The disappearances took place over a span of two years since the program started
Taiwan News
Date: 2018/12/26
By: Matthew Strong, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
Eight New Southbound Policy students have disappeared over the past two years (photo by Y.C. Ku) (By Wikimedia Commons)
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Following the Tourism Bureau’s confirmation of reports that a total of 152 Vietnamese out of 153 who arrived with tour groups in Kaohsiung last week went missing, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said Wednesday that eight students with New Southbound Policy programs had also been out of reach.
Since taking over in May 2016, the current administration has been emphasizing closer ties and exchanges with the countries of South and Southeast Asia, including as a source for tourists and people-to-people exchanges.
The international study programs under the New Southbound Policy had seen eight students disappear over the past two years, with their schools reporting the fact to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the National Immigration Agency, the Central News Agency reported.
The current academic year of the program had resulted in 2,494 foreign students coming to Taiwan, MOE data showed. Short-term technical courses had recruited 182 students, and professional technical programs 255 foreign students, according to the ministry. [FULL STORY]
