Taipei, March 2 -- The government is considering changes to immigration laws for residents of Hong Kong and Macau to prevent influence from China, Taipei Times reported.

According to a source, the government may remove an optional path to citizenship for these residents and extend the time required for them to qualify for permanent residency.

The proposed changes aim to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from influencing Taiwan through immigration from Hong Kong and Macau, as per Taipei Times.

An official familiar with the matter speaking on condition of anonymity said the government could amend immigration laws for residents of the territories who currently receive preferential treatment.

The move was part of "national securit...