Myanmar to introduce permanent residence system
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Myanmar will introduce a permanent residence (PR) system for foreigners starting on December 5 this year, according to the Ministry of Immigration and Population.
More details about the system will be announced on that day through the media and the ministry's official website, the ministry announced.
"The system will be introduced on December 5. More details will come on the day," said Maung Maung Than, the director general for Department of Immigration and National Registration under the ministry.
The system is planned to attract foreign experts, investors, and spouses of Myanmar nationals, including former Myanmar nationals living abroad.
The duration of permitted stay under the new system will start with at five years. Permanent residents will be able to extend their stay for five additional years upon the expiration the first five-year term.
Myanmar’s 1982 Citizenship Law prohibits dual citizenship.
Parliament approved the Permanent Residence Bill last September, and the Union Government approved a by-law for it on October 24 of this year after discussions in parliament.
Nyan Tun, vice president of the Management Committee for the Permanent Residence System for Foreigners, said the system became a necessity for the country's reform process.
Opening the doors to foreigners in 2012, the country has welcomed an influx of business travellers and tourists. This year, Myanmar expects the tourist arrivals to hit 3 million.
To assist the flow, the E-visa system was kicked off in September and is now available at Yangon International Airport and Mandalay. Yet, it is open only to tourists, while some business travellers still need to apply for visas.
Meanwhile, a few number of embassies guarantee slow traffic at the visa section. The permanent residence system should guarantee flexible travel into the country, which aims to attract up to US$5 billion in foreign direct investment.
