Petition Launched To Cancel Deportation Of DJ Groups From Taiwan That Performed Without Permission

Illustration (Unsplash)

JAKARTA - A petition was launched as a way to cancel DJ group deportation, Velvet Collective, from Taiwan.

In an Instagram post now deleted by French DJ-Taiwan Nathan Alzon (per Mixmag), he claimed that Daniel, Chupis, and YuHan of Velvet Collective were forced to leave Taiwan in the next two weeks.

The deportation threat is thought to have occurred due to a reported incident where they mingled on stage without a special performance permit.

"After the event that we held in August, three of our dear friends and Velvet Collective members were given severe punishment for being deported from Taiwan with a 14-day notification, all because they were pursuing the desire to appear on stage," Alzon wrote.

He continued, adding that Velvet Collectiv did not realize that permission was needed to perform there and said its three members had ARC visas that they believed were sufficient for work.

"The lack of information has now brought us into an unfavorable situation," he continued.

The petition, which was created, seeks justice for the three DJs and calls for relevant authorities in Taipei, Taiwan, to reconsider their decisions based on these circumstances.

They also urge authorities to provide clear guidelines regarding work permits so that other artists do not face similar situations in the future, and add: We believe that artists should be encouraged and supported, not punished because they do not receive information about certain legal requirements.

Talking about Daniel, Chupis and YuHan, Alzon said: "They not only play an important role in Taiwan's electronic music scene, but also for Taiwanese people. They have done more than what local people can ask for in integrating themselves into Taiwanese society."

They have become an important part of our communities and lives, and they have the right to consider Taiwan as their home, just like us locals," he added.

The petition through Change.org reads: The consequences of this deportation not only have an impact on VELVET COLLECTIVE, but also have an impact on the diversity and wealth of Taiwan's music world which is celebrated worldwide.

We believe that artists should be encouraged and supported, not punished because they do not receive information about certain legal requirements. Taiwan's music industry is developing and DJ plays an important role in it. According to the Electronic Music Association (AFEM), electronic music events contribute significantly to Taiwan's economy every year (source: AFEM).