By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

A new bill that seeks to establish a long term tourist visa for an elite class of non-citizens was passed on first reading in the House of Delegates on April 17.
House Bill No. 7-162-10 is to add a new subchapter of Chapter 10, Title 13 of the Palau National Code and to be known as "Long-Term Tourist Visa Act."
The Bill, which was introduced by Delegates Sabino Anastacio (Floor Leader), Kalistus Ngirturong, Lucio Ngiraiwet and Thomas Patris, was referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs now chaired by Anastacio.
The Bill states that Palau should encourage affluent non-citizens to make the country their second home.
It said that the creation of a long-term tourist visa allowing for multiple entries would encourage an elite class of non-citizens.
It further explained that the Act provides for a long-term multiple entry visas and enables visa holders to reside in Palau provided they meet certain requirements.
The Bill states that such a program would promote economic development by encouraging both investment in private lands and cash expenditures with local vendors, contractors and service providers.
The long-term visa program would be under the Bureau of Immigration.
The non-citizen should be a party with a Palauan citizen, non-governmental entity wholly owned by palauan citizens or a business entity holding a valid Foreign Investment Approval Certificate, to a lease agreement for a dwelling for him or herself in Palau that requires total rental payments of at least $10,000 per year for a term of not less than 10 years.
The least payments required must be paid in cash or cash equivalents.
The Bill said that there will be no in-kind, service or other non-cash contribution in lie of rent payment shall be acceptable to meet this condition.
The non-citizen should have entered into a valid contract with a Palauan citizen, or non-government entity owned by a Palaun or business entity holding a valid FIAC for the purchase of a dwelling with a price of $100,000 or greater.
The Bill also discussions other qualifications for the long-term tourist visa such as the non-refundable initial fee of $10,000, requirements for dependents who might qualify for the long-term tourist visa and other such requirements and qualifications.