THE Sarawak government currently does not have a policy to consider retired civil servants or private sector retirees without familial or residential ties to the state for Permanent Resident (PR) status, says Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai.
This issue was raised by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii during the debate on the Motion of Appreciation for the Governor’s Address during the DUN Sitting last week.
Sikie said that the Sarawak government acknowledges the contributions made by retired individuals from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and non-citizens who have served in Sarawak during their careers.
However, he clarified that for retirees from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah who have no connections to Sarawak, the state government currently does not have a policy that allows them to apply for an Entry Permit to obtain PR status in Sarawak.
“For Malaysian retirees from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah who are married to Sarawakian spouses, they may reside in Sarawak by applying for a long-term social visit pass,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN Sitting today (May 26).
He explained that this pass is issued by the Sarawak Immigration Department under the policy for spouses of Sarawakian citizens.
“Applications for PR status in Sarawak through the Entry Permit can only be submitted once all conditions and criteria have been fulfilled,” he added.
