MALAYSIAN WOMEN MARRIED TO SINGAPORE CITIZENS (Waiving of visa requirements)

Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Home Affairs why Malaysian women, who have been married to Singapore citizens as far back as 1965, cannot be allowed to reside permanently in Singapore but are required by the Immigration Department to obtain visas which have to be renewed fortnightly at the Woodlands Immigration Depot; and if he will consider taking steps to waive such visa requirements and obviate the inconvenience caused to such women.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. Wong Lin Ken): Mr Speaker, Sir, Malaysian women married to Singapore citizens before the 1st of July, 1967, when immigration controls were introduced at the Singapore end of the Causeway and who have been staying here since then, are allowed to remain in the Republic permanently. However, if they have left Singapore temporarily without obtaining re-entry permits, either before or within one month of their departure, they would have lost their permanent residence status. In such cases, they are required to apply for permanent residence or entry permits, and each case will be considered on its own merits. If an application is rejected, consideration is always given for the grant of a Social Visit Pass which can be extended, on application, from time to time.

It is therefore not true that women in this category are required to renew their passes fortnightly at the Immigration Woodlands Checkpoint. Women who do so are probably those who have not applied for an Entry Permit or a Social Visit Pass.

Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not asking a supplementary question. But I would just like to mention a case to the Minister as proof.

Mr Speaker: Mr Ho, this is Question Time. Perhaps it is better for you to write to the Minister about the case.

Mr Ho See Beng: Yes, Sir.