Group urges reforms for non-citizen spouse PR applications
The group highlighted that such reforms are essential for non-citizen spouses to build stable lives and contribute to Malaysia’s economy and society...
Summary
Family Frontiers supports the Home Ministry’s plan to expedite Permanent Residence (PR) applications but highlights the need for structural reforms.
The group stresses that socioeconomic and language barriers, as well as challenges faced by vulnerable groups, must be urgently addressed.
Proposed solutions include automatic PR issuance after five years of marriage and transparent appeal processes for rejected applications.
Family Frontiers has welcomed the Home Ministry’s plan to speed up Permanent Residence (PR) processing for non-citizen spouses but urged for reforms to address issues in the application system.
The group highlighted that such reforms are essential for non-citizen spouses to build stable lives and contribute to Malaysia’s economy and society.
Concerns were raised about the point-based system, as well as socioeconomic and language barriers, which hinder many applicants.
“In early 2024, Foreign Spouses Support Group (FSSG) reported a surge in complaints regarding the introduction of a point-based system for PR applications.
“Applicants are now required to complete an assessment form to determine their eligibility, with only those scoring around 40 points being allowed to submit their applications.
“Achieving the required score does not guarantee approval, as the final decision remains at the discretion of the Home Ministry.”
Family Frontiers also highlighted the lack of information surrounding the point-based system, noting that no official details are available on the Immigration Department’s portal.
Bernama previously reported that Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail promised the government would process entry permit applications within six months.
Entry permits allow foreign nationals to enter and reside in Malaysia to study or join their family.
Previously, some applications were delayed for 15 years, the minister said.
Meanwhile, language proficiency was also highlighted by Family Frontiers as another major hurdle.
“Current policies allow non-citizen spouses to apply for PR after five years of marriage, yet expecting fluency within this period -especially for those from non-Malay speaking backgrounds - is unrealistic,” it said.
The group also stressed the importance of addressing challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as widowed, abused, and divorced spouses.
“The existing widow or divorcee visas do not grant the right to work, leaving these individuals unable to support their Malaysian children.
“While the government’s efforts to expedite future PR applications are a step forward, they do not address those who have already lost eligibility and now face an uncertain future despite their deep-rooted ties to Malaysia,” it explained.
Automatic PR
To address these challenges, the group proposed alternative solutions, including the automatic issuance of PR after five years of marriage.
“A five-year marital duration serves as a reasonable indicator of genuine relationships, reducing concerns about sham marriages.
“National security concerns can be addressed through robust monitoring mechanisms, including periodic reviews and background checks, with provisions for revocation and deportation in cases of fraud, serious legal violations, or criminal offences as per the law,” it said.
It also called for a transparent appeal process for rejected applicants.
“Applicants should have access to clear follow-up channels and explanations for rejections, ensuring they are not left uncertain,” it said.
Additionally, Family Frontiers recommended introducing measures to reinstate or provide alternative PR pathways for those in genuine need, particularly for vulnerable groups, to ensure their rights and contributions are not overlooked.
