Yearbook 2006
Brunei. In May, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah decided to make
it easier for foreigners to gain citizenship in Brunei,
which was previously very difficult due to the country's
strict immigration policy. According to
CountryAAH, the rule changes apply to foreign
nationals who have permanent residence permits in the
country or who are married to Brunei women. In order to
benefit from citizenship, foreigners must also prove that
they have contributed to the country's growth and have
assets worth the equivalent of SEK 2.3 million. or to prove
that their professional work benefits the country. Foreign
men who were born in Brunei and have been married to Brunei
women for at least fifteen years as well as men born abroad
who have been married to Brunei women for at least twenty
years can now also apply for citizenship.
On July 15, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah celebrated his 60th
birthday, which was celebrated for several weeks, including
parades and a lavish banquet with foreign guests. In
connection with the celebration, the Sultan, who has ruled
the country single-handedly since 1967, promised to raise
the salaries of civil servants for the first time in 22
years.
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