Which ministry oversees foreigner marriages for PR?

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The Home Ministry is understood to oversee marriage loopholes for permanent resident status.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry has acknowledged that some foreign workers are marrying locals to obtain permanent resident status in Malaysia. This issue came to light when the ministry was investigating foreigners suspected of operating businesses illegally. While the Housing and Local Government Ministry can identify the situation, it has indicated that it is not within its purview to address the matter of marriages for permanent residency purposes.
Identification of the Issue

The Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Raja Ahmad, confirmed that instances of foreign workers marrying Malaysians to secure permanent resident (PR) status are indeed occurring and acknowledged it as a significant issue. This revelation emerged during the ministry's attempts to take action against foreigners allegedly involved in illicit business operations within the country. The deputy minister stated, "It is true and accurate that incidents like these are happening and we admit this is a major issue."
Ministry Jurisdiction Limitations

Raja Kamarul Bahrin clarified that the issue of marriages for the purpose of obtaining PR status does not fall under his ministry's jurisdiction. He explained that decisions regarding marriage are personal matters between individuals, stating, "Over the question of them getting married, there is nothing we can do, as this involves people falling in love and is their personal matter." This implies that the Housing and Local Government Ministry's mandate does not extend to regulating or intervening in such personal unions, even when they are perceived to be exploited for immigration benefits.
Potential Locus of Authority

The Housing and Local Government Ministry has suggested that the Home Ministry would possess greater insight into addressing the loophole related to marriages for PR status. Raja Kamarul Bahrin indicated that these marriages can create pathways for foreigners to circumvent existing laws, and therefore, "from a legal perspective, the Home Ministry will have better knowledge on how to overcome this loophole." This points towards the Home Ministry as the governmental body responsible for immigration policies, including the regulations surrounding permanent residency and the associated marriage provisions.

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Which ministry oversees foreigner marriages for PR?

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