Malaysia – Various Immigration Administrative and Application Updates
Malaysia – Various Immigration Administrative and Appli
This report covers various changes introduced in recent months to visa/permit/pass applications procedures and venues in Peninsular Malaysia.
Highlights
- Application for Projection of Employment Pass (“EP”) and Professional Visit Pass (“PVP”) Applications for Year 2019
- Relocation of MYXpats Centre
- Additional Venue for Endorsement of PVP
- MYXpats to Handle Endorsement of EP Application for Expatriate Positions Pre-Approved by MIDA with Effect 5 December 2018
There have been several immigration-related changes in Peninsular Malaysia in recent months, some of them taking effect in December 2018 and January 2019.
A number of the key changes, which we highlight below, include applications for Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass, eVisa, and MYXpats.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Global mobility professionals charged with the immigration affairs of their assignees and immigration counsel should be aware of these updates since such changes could impact their processes and procedures.
Companies with expatriate employees should experience more prompt and timely endorsement of approved work permit or visa applications through the new systems and venue introduced, which we describe below.
With the consolidation of applications online, the processing time is expected to be reduced (if documentation requirements are met).
Application for Projection of Employment Pass (“EP”) and Professional Visit Pass (“PVP”) Applications for Year 2019
Commencing 3 December 2018, companies registered with the Expatriate Services Division (“ESD”) may apply for projection of expatriates for EP and PVP for the year 20191. All unutilized projections approved for year 2018 will not be carried forward to year 2019.
Relocation of MYXpats Centre
MYXpats Centre was relocated from Level 16 to Level 4, Surian Tower on 8 October 20182.
The new office is more spacious and can receive twice the number of clients / visitors. It has enhanced facilities and systems to ease transactions. This aligns with the authorities’ objective to introduce more services in the near future.
Additional Venue for Endorsement of PVP
Effective 10 December 2018, the new MYXpats Centre is able to carry out the endorsement of PVP. Prior to this, the endorsement was carried out at the Immigration Department of Malaysia (“IDM”) Headquarters at Putrajaya or at selected Immigration state offices; although the online application is processed by MYXpats.
MYXpats to Handle Endorsement of EP Application for Expatriate Positions Pre-Approved by MIDA with Effect 5 December 2018
The Immigration Unit at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (“MIDA”) ceased to accept EP applications effective from 5 December 20183. However, applications for work permits sponsored by a Representative Office or Regional Office will still be submitted to the Immigration Unit at MIDA as per the current process.
eVisa for EP Applicants
eVISA is an online application platform that enables selected foreign nationals to apply for an electronic visa to enter Malaysia at their convenience instead of having to visit the foreign mission personally. The application is made through https://www.windowmalaysia.my/evisa/evisa.jsp. This is only applicable for applicants from 10 countries (i.e., The People’s Republic of China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro) who have received the approved EP and visa with reference letter from the ESD. The eVisa can be applied for no matter where the applicant is, except if he or she is in Malaysia and Singapore.
The eVisa is not applicable for Dependent Pass (“DP”) and PVP applicants.
KPMG NOTE
The IDM has been continuously improving their facilities to meet market demand. Having a one-stop center at a strategic location next to the latest Mass Rapid Transit (“MRT”) train station, besides relocating to a more spacious office with additional services in MYXpats Center, enhances service in respect of expatriates’ immigration matters.
FOOTNOTES
1 For more information, see the Expatriate Services Division Web site.
2 Ibid.
3 Expatriate Services Division Memo Ref : IMI.101/HQ-F(S)/980/1/1 JLD.3.
* Please note that the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labor services; however, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Malaysia.
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