On 12 February 2025, the Ministry of Interior, through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, issued a circular on the revised approval framework/guideline for Expatriate Quota and Citizenship Applications (the “Revised Framework”) to address concerns related to potential abuses and irregularities within the system. The Revised Framework underscores the commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the administration of the Expatriate Quota (“EQ”) and Citizenship Application.
Prior to the Revised Framework, the Director, Citizenship and Business functioned as the approving authority for activities related to Business and Citizenship applications. However, under this Revised Framework, the authority to approve the associated Business and Citizenship applications is the Honourable Minister and Permanent Secretary, as applicable.
For a comprehensive list of the activities and approving authority under the Revised Framework, see here.
