Sarawak spouse visa not valid for widowed, divorced men from peninsula

 

Minister in the Sarawak premier’s department John Sikie Tayai says the current state government policy does not allow men from the peninsula to remain on a long-term spouse visit pass if they are divorced or if the wife dies.

PETALING JAYA: Men from Peninsular Malaysia who are widowed or divorced are not eligible for a couple’s long-term social visit pass, minister in the premier’s department John Sikie Tayai said.

“They can apply for other suitable long-term pass facilities such as an employment pass or a temporary work visit pass, if they are working in Sarawak.

“Those aged 60 and above can apply for a long-term social visit pass facility under a policy for the elderly,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech in the state assembly today, The Borneo Post reported.

Sikie said this policy does not stop men who remarry another Sarawakian from reapplying for the spouse visa.

He was responding to Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) who had raised the case of a West Malaysian father with a young daughter born in Sarawak, whose visa was cancelled after his Sarawakian wife died. - FMT