TAICHUNG — A 21-year-old man who spent his entire life without a legal identity has finally received his first national ID card, marking a turning point after years of isolation and hardship.
The Taichung City Government confirmed on Friday that the man, surnamed Huang (黃), had no criminal or immigration issues, allowing authorities to officially recognize and register his identity, according to the Central News Agency (CNA). Both Huang and his father expressed gratitude to the public and city officials for their support.
For nearly ten years, Huang lived with his father in a rented suite in Beitun District, without attending school or having household registration. His father, fearing legal repercussions, instructed him to avoid going outside or interacting with others.
Huang’s situation came to light in February when his father forced him out of their home. With no place to go, he began living on the streets and survived by collecting recyclables for food. His plight was discovered by local borough chief Su Yi-qing (蘇乙青), who reported it to Taichung’s Social Affairs Bureau.
Authorities launched a multi-agency investigation involving nine departments to confirm Huang’s background. They verified that he was not a missing person, a wanted criminal, or an undocumented foreigner. Officials also confirmed that his parents were never legally married and that his foreign-born mother had left the family years ago. His father admitted he did not understand the process for registering a child born out of wedlock.
A court-facilitated paternity test confirmed Huang’s parentage, allowing his father to formally acknowledge him and create a household record. With official registration in place, Huang received his first national identification card earlier this month.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) and city officials were praised by the family for arranging temporary housing, healthcare, welfare support, and access to education.
The Social Affairs Bureau said Huang is now staying at a transitional housing facility, where social workers are helping him develop life skills, participate in group activities, and improve his social interaction.
Staff described him as kind and inquisitive, with a positive attitude toward learning. Authorities are now working to connect Huang with remedial education programs to prepare him for future vocational training and long-term independence.
