Taiwan is expecting another breakthrough in its efforts to seek visa waiver privileges from foreign countries, with evidence indicating that Ireland is soon to announce visa-free entry for Taiwanese nationals, according to a senior Taiwanese official familiar with the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official told selfnews that Ireland is set to grant 90-day visa-free privileges to Taiwanese passport holders as soon as next week, adding that a formal announcement will be made in the next few days. Asked to comment on the matter, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Henry Chen said the ministry is working hard on the issue. 'Things are moving in a positive direction with regard to the matter,' Chen said. The Republic of China government allows Republic of Ireland passport holders 30-day visa-free stays, which, on the principle of reciprocity, is expected to be extended to 90 days if Ireland decides to grant 90-day visa-free stays for Taiwanese visitors. The United Kingdom, which started including Taiwan in its visa-waiver program March 3, became the first major Western country to lift visa requirements for Taiwanese citizens and has since spurred debate in other countries such as Germany on the possibility of making similar moves. So far, the British visa-free treatment is the most favorable, allowing Taiwanese passport holders traveling to Britain for the purpose of tourism, business, short-term study or family visits visa-free status for up to six months. According to the Irish government, the number of visa applications by Taiwanese passport holders is around 1,200 per year. The fees for Irish visas are NT$2,700 (US$82) for a single-entry visa valid for three months or NT$4,500 for a multiple-entry visa valid for a year. 