As the Republic sees more marriages between Singapore Citizens and foreigners in the recent years, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and the Ministry of Social and Family Development will be introducing new initiatives to help Singapore-foreigner couples better strategise for their future.
Last year, three out of 10 marriages were between a Singapore Citizen and a non-resident spouse – a seven percent increase from 2003.
Foreigners who wed a local citizen can reside in Singapore if they possess a valid work pass or have been given relevant immigration passes like the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Starting next year, the new LTVP application process will have soon-to-be Singaporean-foreigner couples submit the Letter of LTVP Eligibility together. The joint application will ensure both spouses have sufficient knowledge about each other before getting married. Once the eligibility is granted, the couple can use it to support their LTVP application after marriage.
With a LTVP, foreign spouses will find it easier to seek employment.
From next month onwards, a Marriage Preparation Programme will be included at the Registry of Marriages as part of the civil marriage registration process. This optional workshop aims to benefit couple with more insights about the issues of each others' culture.
Photo: AFP
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Sad Times: Divorce rate rises, marriages fall in Singapore
As the Republic sees more marriages between Singapore Citizens and foreigners in the recent years, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and the Ministry of Social and Family Development will be introducing new initiatives to help Singapore-foreigner couples better strategise for their future.
Last year, three out of 10 marriages were between a Singapore Citizen and a non-resident spouse – a seven percent increase from 2003.
Foreigners who wed a local citizen can reside in Singapore if they possess a valid work pass or have been given relevant immigration passes like the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Starting next year, the new LTVP application process will have soon-to-be Singaporean-foreigner couples submit the Letter of LTVP Eligibility together. The joint application will ensure both spouses have sufficient knowledge about each other before getting married. Once the eligibility is granted, the couple can use it to support their LTVP application after marriage.
With a LTVP, foreign spouses will find it easier to seek employment.
From next month onwards, a Marriage Preparation Programme will be included at the Registry of Marriages as part of the civil marriage registration process. This optional workshop aims to benefit couple with more insights about the issues of each others' culture.
Photo: AFP
Read Also:
Sad Times: Divorce rate rises, marriages fall in Singapore