An Immigration Department official yesterday confirmed that foreigners requesting a long-term extension of their business visas would need to produce a work permit, with implementation of the rule starting September 4.

Ouk Sophal, deputy chief in charge of visa extensions, said foreigners would need work permits for business visa extensions of six months or one year, but that the rule would apply only from the second extension onwards.

“After the first arrival, you can have the next extension without a work permit, for six months or a year,” he said.

For those with work permits currently being processed, Sophal said a receipt proving the application would be enough to get an extension.

He added that the department was considering allowing those without a permit to produce a letter apologising for the oversight and indicating their current employer’s address.

Officials would then check if the individual had applied for a work permit upon their next visa renewal. “If not, they might have a real problem,” he said.

Sophal said he was not sure if the rule applied to visas other than business visas and directed questions to the Foreign Ministry, which could not be reached yesterday.

Hong Vicheta, of Cina Travel agency, said he was unclear on the new requirements but had heard that a letter of employment would be required.