BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The government has introduced a new policy to support long-term stays for foreign nationals with established ties to Brunei through family, business or investment interests.
Home Affairs Minister Dato Hj Ahmaddin Hj Abd Rahman announced on Wednesday that the Long-Term Pass (LTP) policy took effect on December 31, 2024, allowing stays of up to five years, with multiple re-entry visas.
The LTP is categorised into three types:
• Long-Term Social Visit Pass: For foreign nationals with family ties to Bruneian citizens or permanent residents.
• Long-Term Business Visit Pass: For foreign investors and business owners who contribute to the economy by creating jobs and generating tax revenue.
• Long-Term Professional Visit Pass: For foreign professionals in sectors facing a shortage of expertise. These passes will be granted based on national needs, with support from relevant regulatory bodies.
However, the LTP policy excludes certain sectors, including retail, salons, restaurants, and laundry services, as well as businesses that are not registered as “Sendirian Berhad” or private limited companies.
Dato Hj Ahmaddin stated that the LTP policy aims to make Brunei a “conducive destination for investment, professional development, and the strengthening of family institutions”.
He made these remarks in response to a question from Legislative Council member Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim, who enquired about the government’s ongoing efforts to foster economic growth.
In addition to the LTP policy, Dato Hj Ahmaddin also announced an increase in age limits for foreign nationals who own businesses in Brunei or work in highly specialised or technical roles.
The Labour Department may grant work permit renewals for individuals over 60 or 65 years old, provided they meet specific criteria, such as contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Steady rise in foreign workers amid post-pandemic recovery
The latest data from the Labour Department indicates a steady increase in the number of foreign workers in Brunei post-pandemic.
In 2019, the total foreign worker population stood at 65,579, rising to 71,511 in 2020.
The figure then dropped to 60,294 in 2021 due to Covid-related entry and exit restrictions, but rebounded to 65,714 in 2022.
By 2023, the number rose sharply to 75,402, driven by Brunei’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
As of April 1, 2024, the following sectors had the largest proportion of foreign workers:
• Construction: 21,519 foreign workers, representing 83% of the sector’s workforce.
• Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries: 3,521 foreign workers, representing 75% of the sector’s workforce.
• Accommodation and food services: 11,361 foreign workers, representing 63% of the sector’s workforce.
• Manufacturing: 7,929 foreign workers, representing 63% of the sector’s workforce.
• Wholesale and retail trade, vehicle and motorcycle repair: 14,908 foreign workers, representing 55% of the sector’s workforce.
The minister noted that these figures exclude domestic workers, who are estimated to number around 13,000 in 2024, according to data from the Immigration and National Registration Department.