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Nena Asks Congress to Amend Title 50 of FSM Code

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 23 , 1997 - FSM President Jacob Nena forwarded to Congress Speaker Jack Fritz in a May 14, 1997 letter, a proposed amendment to Title 50 of the FSM Code to issue citizens and nationals of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau entry permits for 365-day visit, similar to that available to citizens and nationals of the United States. Under the existing laws, citizens and nationals of other Micronesian neighbors can visit for 30 days with an extension for another 30 days or a total of 60 days.

The proposed amendment also included provisions for a changing application fees for entry permit renewal which the President could establish by executive order.

An Entry Permit Revolving Fund is contemplated, separate from the General Fund, where revenues from issuance and renewal of permits can be deposited or withdrawn to cover associated costs. Similar arrangement to the Passport Revolving Fund which is administered by the Chief of the Division of Immigration, Nena urged Congress to consider his proposal measure favorably.