KUALA LUMPUR – Foreign ex-husbands of Malaysian women can appeal to stay on in the country, with appeals and visa options available, and not have to leave following their divorce, the Home Ministry said.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there are avenues available for divorced foreign husbands so as not to leave their Malaysian ex-wives and children in the lurch if they depended on spousal support.
Under existing rules, the Immigration Department will consider applications by both parties for a time extension on the long-term social visit pass of the foreign ex-husband.
The pass will not be cancelled, Saifuddin said in a parliamentary written reply to Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Bukit Bendera-PH).
Syerleena had asked how the government would ensure the welfare of Malaysian women and their children in divorce cases where the foreign ex-husband had to leave the country when his spouse visa is cancelled.
“If no extension of time is granted (for the foreign ex-husband’s visa), then the department can amend the pass’ expiry date instead of cancelling it altogether,” Saifuddin said.
“It is also not necessary for the foreign ex-husband to leave the country, as he can still submit an appeal for a long-term social visit pass to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“Priority is given to divorced couples with legitimate children according to Malaysia’s laws.”
Saifuddin added that the foreign ex-husband can also apply to change his long-term social visit pass to either an employment pass or resident pass in order to stay in the country. – November 14, 2023