Other Pacific

Saipan proposes “resident foreign nationals” category

A bill seeking to create a new immigration category of “resident foreign nationals” is being proposed by Saipan lawmakers, according to the Saipan Tribune, which was able to obtain a copy of the unsigned bill. The bill will allow long-time foreign workers to stay for five years in the country using a resident foreign national entry permit, which may be renewed.  The proposed bill, however, will not offer permanent resident status, citizenship or nationality to a resident foreign national. An interested applicant must have lived in CNMI for at least five years and has met the character requirements. 

Source: Agnes E. Donato, “New category eyed for long-term aliens,” Saipan Tribune, 23 April 2008