The number of approved applications for registered permanent residence in Taiwan by Hong Kong and Macau residents in the first nine months of 2013 fell 14% compared with the same period last year, the Security Bureau said today.

The information, published by Taiwan authorities, is contrary to reports there was a marked increase in the number of Hong Kong emigrants to Taiwan.

Figures obtained by the Hong Kong Economic, Trade & Cultural Office in Taiwan showed that from January to September the number of approved applications for registered permanent residence by Hong Kong and Macau residents in Taiwan was 486, while the number for the same period in 2012 was 567.

The figures should be distinguished from applications for residence, which include entry applications for work or study, not for permanent residence, the bureau said.

The number of applications for residence from Hong Kong and Macau residents shot up in September 2012 and 2013 respectively, the start of the academic year, which suggests that the bulk of these applications were for the purpose of study, it added.