Special Permission for Certain Classes of Aliens to Stay in the Kingdom for Highly Skilled Manpower, Investors, Executives and Startups Entrepreneurs
On 27 September 2022, the Cabinet approved in principle the draft Notification of Ministry of Interior on Special Permission for Certain Classes of Aliens to Stay in the Kingdom for Highly Skilled Manpower, Investors, Executives and Startups Entrepreneurs (No…) B.E. (….) (“Notification”) which was proposed by the Ministry of Interior. The purpose of this draft Notification is to add the numbers of targeted industries under the Smart Visa Program from 13 to 18 industries. This will attract and gather highly skilled manpower, investors, executives and startups entrepreneurs capable of developing the targeted industries to apply for the Smart Visa in order to bring in technology and knowledge to the Kingdom.
Additional targeted industries are as follows:
- National defense industry;
- Industries that facilitate the circular economy directly and significantly, for example, fuel production from waste, water resources management, etc.;
- Environmental management and renewable energy;
- Technology innovation and startup ecosystem management; and
- International business center.
Those who have obtained this type of visa are eligible for several benefits such as exemption from applying for a work permit, reporting himself/herself to the Immigration Bureau once a year instead of every 90 days, and unlimited travel back into the Kingdom (Re-entry permit). Furthermore, the spouse and legitimate child have the same right to stay and work as the primary visa holder. Therefore, those involve in this matter should be aware of this draft Notification for expanding opportunities for the growth of their industries.