Just wanted to share my experience with NIA Keelung this Friday. As we moved to level 2 now (at least on paper), I came to change my ARC after getting a new job and address. I realized it’s closer to Keelung than Xiaonanmen from Xizhi, so might as well give their NIA a chance. I was a bit nervous. Will they be open? Will they understand me?
The NIA is hidden on the 11th floor of one of the few Keelung office buildings. I came at 8:45, all (!) counters were open, and I was the only “customer” there. As a matter of fact, I think I was also the first “customer” of the day, as most of the employees were still unmasked/halfmasked when I arrived.
All in all I spent only 5 minutes there, including a brief chat about my country with the lady processing my application. What a difference compared to an 1+ hour wait at the NIA in Taipei. Anyone applied for their ARC this week? I’m wondering if I witnessed the magic of Keelung or the magic of COVID…
I’ve never in all my years here met any foreigner who has dealt with the Keelung City NIA. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever met a foreigner who actually lives in Keelung! It’s interesting that this office would help out non-Keelung residents (assuming that your residential address indicates New Taipei).
