New Long Term Visit Pass-PLUS for foreign spouses

From next month, the Government is introducing a Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) that will allow foreign spouses of citizens to stay for three years in the first instance, and up to five years for each renewal.

The Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) scheme will take effect on April 1, 2012.

Not all foreign spouses will be given the new pass. Couples who have at least one Singaporean child from their marriage will be eligible to apply. For those without children, factors such as the duration of the marriage and the sponsor's ability to support a foreign spouse will be considered.

It will last for three years in the first instance, and up to five years for each renewal. The LTVP lasts a year.

LTVP+ pass holders can get health-care subsidies for inpatient services at restructured hospitals, close to levels that permanent residents enjoy. Those on the LTVP do not benefit from such subsidies.

LTVP+ pass holders can work to supplement the family income. The prospective employer has to apply online to the Ministry of Manpower for a letter of consent. Those issued with the letter will not be counted in their employers' foreign worker quotas, or as part of the local workforce. Their bosses will not be required to pay a foreign workers' levy for them.

Those on the LTVP cannot work unless they have an employment pass, S-Pass or work permit.

ORIGINAL SOURCE
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