Non-citizens must get approval before coming back

Foreign spouses of Malaysians and their children will be allowed to return to Malaysia but they must first obtain permission from the Immigration Department.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said some of them had been stranded overseas due to border restrictions.

“This is applicable not only to the foreign spouses but also to the children of Malaysians born abroad and who are not citizens,” he said at his daily press briefings yesterday.

However, he stressed the importance of getting the green light from the Immigration Department first to avoid being stuck at the airport or told to return to their home country.

Ismail Sabri warned them not to attempt to enter Malaysia without the Immigration Department’s approval, as they would be denied entry.

“Do not simply fly back immediately. I received reports that some couples had returned to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport but they were turned away.

“Only the one with Malaysian citizenship was allowed to enter,” he said.

When contacted, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said those who were interested to obtain the long-term social visit pass (LTSVP) or spouse visa must apply for an online appointment.

The visa is issued by the department to foreign nationals wanting to stay in Malaysia for a period longer than six months.

It is issued to foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens and family members of expatriates holding an Employment Pass in Category I and II, among other recipients.