Debated in Parliament on 20 Jan 2014.
Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs since the introduction of Long Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) (a) how many applicants have been successful; and (b) how many applicants are rejected even when they have at least one Singaporean child from their marriage.
The Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) was introduced on 1 April 2012. A total of about 7,500 foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens have been granted LTVP+ from 1 April 2012 to 30 November 2013.
There is no separate application process for LTVP+. Singaporeans can apply for LTVP/LTVP+ for their foreign spouses. Foreign spouses who meet the criteria for LTVP+ will be granted LTVP+. Those who do not meet the LTVP+ criteria but meet the LTVP criteria would be granted LTVP. Both the LTVP+ and LTVP would enable the foreign spouses to stay in Singapore. Foreign spouses with at least one Singaporean child from their marriage with a Singapore Citizen would generally be granted LTVP+ or LTVP. However, there is a small group that do not meet the LTVP+/LTVP criteria but may be granted short term visit passes until their family circumstances improve.