TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Minister Without Portfolio Chang Ching-sen (張景森) told a CNA reporter that Taiwan Premier William Lai (賴清德) has already approved the implementation of visa-free entry for visitors from the Philippines, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to provide more details shortly.

A meeting was held by MOFA in mid September to confirm the details of the implementation of visa-free policy for the Philippines, which were then sent to the Executive Yuan for approval. Visa-free entry for Filipinos will go into effect in October, according to MOFA officials.

MOFA said on April 12 that it would allow visitors from the Philippines to enter Taiwan without a visa beginning June 1 on a one-year trial basis. However, the policy was pushed back in May in order to complete related administrative procedures and negotiations and in again in July as ISIS laid siege to the city of Marawi.

Through its New Southbound Policy, the government of President Tsai Ing-wen has been trying to improve and boost ties with Southeast Asian countries, South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.

In an attempt to promote the policy, the government has made constant efforts to make travel to Taiwan much easier and has relaxed the visa rules for citizens of as many as 10 ASEAN countries and India. The Philippines was also included into the e-visa program in October 2016.