YANGON, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have granted 54 more permanent residency applications in the country, according to the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population on Tuesday.

The approval, made at a meeting of the Central Committee for Implementation of Permanent Residency in capital of Nay Pyi Taw on Monday, included one foreign expert, three foreign investors and 50 former Myanmar nationals and foreigners who are related to Myanmar nationals.

Of the 50 former Myanmar nationals, 21 applied through Myanmar embassies in Singapore and South Africa, while others are foreigners related to Myanmar nationals.

The Central Committee for Implementation of Permanent Residency is headed by Minister of Labor, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe.

Myanmar's permanent residency system started in January 2015 during the previous U Thein Sein's government under four categories for foreign experts, investors, former Myanmar nationals and foreigners who are related to Myanmar nationals.

The system enables eligible foreign applicants to stay in Myanmar for an initial period of five years with a possibility of further extension.

Up to the end of 2017, the Myanmar government had granted 338 foreigners to take up permanent residency in the country since the system was introduced.

Myanmar has also relaxed some rules and regulations for the permanent residency in accordance with the international standards.

However, according to the existing 1982 Citizenship Law of Myanmar, dual citizenship is not allowed.