Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said priority was given to such applications, provided all required documents were submitted in full, Bernama reported.

“An entry permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside in Malaysia for purposes such as studying or joining family members,” he said at the ministry’s “Sua Mesra” programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Karangan in Kulim today.

Saifuddin said new standard operating procedures (SOPs) had been introduced to guide applicants clearly. This included a comprehensive document checklist and application guidelines.

He said the SOPs would allow foreign spouses to stay in the country without facing red tape.

Saifuddin said between 2020 and 2024, a total of 23,674 applications were processed, with 52% approved and 48% rejected.