Reports of major change to visa laws imminent

scobienz · Post by **scobienz** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:12 pm

Nathan Thompson is reporting on Twitter that the Cambodian government will no longer issue long-term visas without you holding a work permit, effective 1 September. By long-term visas, I assume he means 6mth and 12mth Extensions of Stay.

I'm not sure what his source is, but Nathan is the head of the Overseas Press Club in Cambodia; I wouldn't dismiss it as scuttlebutt just yet.

If true, it's not a surprising development but it will obviously impact many many expats, including not a few posters here.

https://twitter.com/NathanWrites

Londo · Post by **Londo** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:15 pm

scobienz wrote: If true, it's not a surprising development but it will obviously impact many many expats, including not a few posters here.

https://twitter.com/NathanWrites

It will affect those like me who had planned to be there at the end of the year, I guess. I hope a work permit provider cottage industry develops.

What is deemed long-term?

scobienz · Post by **scobienz** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:18 pm

Londo wrote:
scobienz wrote: If true, it's not a surprising development but it will obviously impact many many expats, including not a few posters here.

https://twitter.com/NathanWrites
It will affect those like me who had planned to be there at the end of the year I, guess. I hope a work permit provider cottage industry develops.

What is deemed long-term?

I assume it means the current six and twelve month extensions of stay which are as easy to get as walking up to Lucky Lucky and banging some cash down on the table. I've changed OP accordingly.

Edwardo · Post by **Edwardo** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:19 pm

Not the first time we've heard this type of report, but it was bound to happen eventually, after all these years of speculation and haphazard enforcement. Hopefully the visa reforms will include a genuine retirement visa option for those here with families, and not just for age 65 and over. If it's true this time, there will surely be some understandable panic.

DF · Post by DF » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:22 pm

Just another form of tax, which is so low anyway compared to what we're used to. Anyone can get a work permit, so shouldn't really cause harm.

violet · Post by **violet** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:25 pm

Other than extending only for three months, I wonder what the best course of action is for a person whose work permit ends in December and whose EOS ends in January. ...meaning, I wonder if the EOS would be extended for six or twelve months when the wp is about to expire.

Wondering out loud.

gavinmac · Post by **gavinmac** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:25 pm

I was just reading about this on FB. Some travel agents are telling people no 6-12 month extensions without work permit, or no extensions after September x without work permit, or something like that.

Miguelito · Post by **Miguelito** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:27 pm

I've heard this from a few sources as well, including a local law firm, and a random email from someone I don't know:

"Dear customer.
Please be advised I just get information from Police immigration visa announcement. Now can not get or extend business visas without work permits. Now retirement visas available. For more information contact me."

I heard a prakas will be issued next week.

DF · Post by DF » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:28 pm

gavinmac wrote:I was just reading about this on FB. Some travel agents are telling people no 6-12 month extensions without work permit, or no extensions after September x without work permit, or something like that.

Any which way to put more money in their pockets, which are pretty deep.

Loogan · Post by **Loogan** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:35 pm

What are the general rules for retirement visa-amount of income savings etc? And does that include a spouse? As in does a retirement visa make accommodations for a spouse?

RobW · Post by **RobW** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:46 pm

Looks like I'll be Billy no Mates in 172 then.

ផោមក្លិនស្អុយ · Post by **ផោមក្លិនស្អុយ** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:47 pm

DF wrote:
gavinmac wrote:I was just reading about this on FB. Some travel agents are telling people no 6-12 month extensions without work permit, or no extensions after September x without work permit, or something like that.
Any which way to put more money in their pockets, which are pretty deep.

Is it really an unreasonable requirement?
It seems logical to me.

The only unreasonable part of it is the vagueness of requirements (IMO).

Compare to the UK visas. It can cost £89 - £700 just to apply for a visa - with no guarantee of success. That doesn't including the cost of document prep and interview costs.
It's much more if you are going to work.

violet · Post by **violet** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:58 pm

More wondering

I wonder what the chances are that a foreigner will be required to show medical/health insurance in order to get work permit in future

GMJS-440 · Post by **GMJS-440** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 7:00 pm

Finally! This has been in the works for far too long. Should clean some trash out.