Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied): Madam, in August 2023, MHA had, in a reply to a question from my colleauge, Mr Gerald Giam, said that from 2016 to 2022, the Ministry had processed an annual average of 7,200 applications for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for foreign spouses of Singaporeans. Processed, not approved.
Just a day after that, Minister of State Dr Faishal Ibrahim, in replying to a question relating to LTVP for foreign spouses had said that such applications were assessed individually and holistically and elaborated on some of the factors that are taken into consideration, including length of marriage, the sponsor’s ability to financially support the applicant, among others. Caregiving needs were mentioned as a unique consideration. The Minister of State also said that marriage to a Singaporean did not grant automatic right of entry into Singapore or approval for a long-term stay.
I have appealed for many of my Singaporean residents who are married to foreigners and many of them come from less well off households. It is a stressful process and the financial cost are challenging for them, even if they are relatively affordable for most Singaporeans. I can appreciate that MHA and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have to consider many factors in determining whether a LTVP application is approved or not.
I would like to ask if ICA has engaged other relevant organisations such as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the Registry of Marriages (ROM), Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and others towards formulating a more coordinated approach in assessing LTVP applications for foreign spouses of Singaporeans.
The Pre-marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA) is a useful tool, but it has its limitations. Of the 7,200 applications ICA process annually, only around 3,000 applicants completed the PMLA. The low take-up rate is a concern. Singaporeans intending to marry a foreigner must have a clearer picture on whether their spouse will be able to remain with them in Singapore, ideally before they get married.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs (Mrs Josephine Teo): On a separate note, Mr Faisal Manap suggested that ICA creates a streamlined approach to give Singaporeans with foreign spouses more clarity on whether the spouse can qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). We understand and empathise with the applicants.
Since 2015, ICA has offered the Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA) to all Singaporeans with foreign spouses. This is a free online assessment tool to find out if the prospective non-resident spouse is likely to qualify for a LTVP after the marriage. The application takes no more than 30 minutes and will be processed within one month. Applicants who have difficulties going online can also approach the ICA’s Services Centre or ServiceSG Centres located island-wide.
From 2021 to 2023, ICA processed an annual average of 4,900 PMLA applications. This is an increase over the previous period, likely because of greater awareness through additional touchpoints like the ROM or ROMM as the Member has suggested.
Ministry of Home Affairs
29 February 2024
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-2355
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 