KUALA LUMPUR, 29 JUNE, 2010: Foreigners who wish to apply for a permanent resident (PR) status in Malaysia should acquire an entry permit first, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said the matter was clearly stipulated under Section 10 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

"Only those who had acquired the entry permit are eligible to apply for the PR status and enable them to get the red-coloured identity card or MyPR," he said in reply to Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah) during question time today.

Fong wanted to know the requirement and procedures for acquiring the PR status for foreigners and the latest statistics on the applications.

Abu Seman said only six categories of applicants would be considered in the issuance of the entry permit as set out in the Immigration (Prohibition of Entry) Order 1963.

"The six categories are persons in possession of specialist or professional qualification, persons in possession of a certificate from the Home Minister certifying that their admission would be in the economic interest of Malaysia.

"Wives and children under six years of age of persons falling within the above categories, wives of citizens of Malaysia who have not been living
separately from the husbands for a continuous period of five years.

"Children of citizens of Malaysia under six years of age, and those who are allowed by the Home Minister on special compassionate grounds," he said. 

Abu Seman said the application for the entry permit could be submitted at any immigration office and the applicants must possess valid travel document or passport.

"However, the consideration and decision on the applications are the prerogative of the Immigration director-general.

"In the event that their application is rejected, they can file an appeal to the Home Minister within 30 days and the decision made by the minister is final," he said.

Between 2001 and 2009, a total of 24,883 applications for PR status were received and solved, he said.

"At present, there are 521 new applications being processed by the Immigration Department and the ministry," he added.



- Bernama
 

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