The photos affixed on the new ARCs will have identical specifications with the ones used on the new ID cards held by all citizens of the Republic of China.

According to the NIA rules, the photos should be taken within the last six months, sized at 4.5 x 3.5cm, and covering the face and top edge of both shoulders.

The person’s face must be a closeup image that covers between 70 and 80 percent of the total photo space, although the size of the photo will be reduced when affixed to the ARC card.

NIA officials said ARC applicants will have no difficulty presenting the required photos, since all photo shops around Taiwan already possess adequate experience from preparing such photos for more than 20 million new ID cards in 2006.

Applicants may prepare the photos on their own, as long as the specifications meet the requirements.

The electronic ARC cards — embedded with advanced anti-forgery microchips — will be issued in two stages starting on July 1, in line with the nation’s anti-terrorist and anti-forgery efforts.

During the first stage, July 1 through Dec. 31, the NIA (under the Ministry of the Interior) will only issue new ARCs with integrated circuit (IC) chips to new applicants and those who apply to replace older but lost ARCs.

An estimated 120,000 new electronic alien resident cards will be issued during this stage.

The total cost of the operation for the government, including the procurement of software and hardware equipment, will reach more than NT$52 million.

In the second phase, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2008, all existing ARC holders will be notified to exchange their old paper cards for the new electronic ones, according to the officials.

The new ARC measures will also apply to the more than 330,000 international blue-collar laborers employed by local manufacturing and construction companies, as well as caregivers working for families with members in need of long-term care.

The approach conforms with international practices and will avoid problems of lost certificates, forged ones or used by others, including possible use by human traffickers and even terrorists, the officials said.

The new IC ARCs, designed in accordance with the electronic international ID cards (eID cards) adopted in advanced nations, will also have the advantage of helping expedite customs clearance for the convenience of cardholders, they explained.

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