Myanmar set to allow permanent residency to foreign nationals
Myanmar will begin accepting applications for permanent residency during the last week of October, under a new by-law drafted by a top-level government committee, according to the Ministry of Immigration and Population.
Foreign nationals whose applications are approved will be allowed to stay in the country for five years initially, and this can be extended by five more years, officials said.
“Our head of state directed us to launch the system in October. [The] ministry will implement it in the last week of the month,” said Minister of Immigration and Population Khin Yi.
The permanent residency by-law has already been drafted and approved by the government and Parliament. Officials are now finalising a classification system that will divide expatriates into four categories: skilled workers, investors, former citizens of Myanmar who have become citizens of other countries, and those who have a Myanmar parent married to a foreign national.
As dual citizenship is not recognised by Myanmar, former Myanmar nationals who have become citizens of other countries are currently subject to the same visa restrictions as foreign visitors. They can only stay in the country they were born in for a limited number of days.
A panel led by Vice President Nyan Htun drafted the by-law. The panel including top officials from three ministries – Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Immigration and Population – as well as the Attorney General’s office.
