Dear friend there are no new rules. After 6 months abroad RP goes "expired" immediately.
If there is a good justification for your family to stay abroad until 2012 then approach Immigration authorities, explain your case and then proceed as requested by them.
If there is no justification for the "overstay" out of the country then my guess is your family will lose their RP.
Nevertheless better go to Immigration since they will tell you the actual facts on this topic/matter.
Dear friend there are no new rules. After 6 months abroad RP goes "expired" immediately.
If there is a good justification for your family to stay abroad until 2012 then approach Immigration authorities, explain your case and then proceed as requested by them.
If there is no justification for the "overstay" out of the country then my guess is your family will lose their RP.
Nevertheless better go to Immigration since they will tell you the actual facts on this topic/matter.
Regards!!