Foreign expatriates or business travellers who are in Singapore and require an entry visa to enter Malaysia for employment, work or social purposes may apply for the e-VISA online or with the Singapore company appointed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia to assist with the entry visa application.1
This follows the recent announcement on the use of e-VISAs for business travellers to apply for the multiple entry visa online. (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2023-046, 1 March 2023 and GMS Flash Alert 2022-190, 28 January 2022.)
WHY THIS MATTERS
This should be welcome news for companies in Malaysia as it enhances efficiency and brings greater convenience for expatriates and their families for entry into Malaysia from Singapore, which was previously on the list of countries that could not access the e-VISA facility together with Israel and North Korea.
More Details
The High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore issued an announcement that effective 23 February 2023, no direct visa application will be accepted. 2
In the announcement, it is also re-iterated that the short-term social visit pass granted by the immigration office at the point of entry to visitors is for the purpose of taking a holiday, visiting relatives, and includes business travel and official visits. The “Not To Land” notice may be issued to a visitor if the individual is found to have exploited the pass by leaving Malaysia for Singapore after using all or almost all the maximum period of the short-term social visit pass.
KPMG NOTE
With this latest update, individuals in Singapore will be able to apply for the entry visa through the e-VISA portal3 online at any time and receive the visa within days, if complete documentation is submitted. However, if the application is not complete, the application may be either rejected or returned for additional documents or information.
Should it be rejected, a new application may be filled out. Therefore, it is important that the correct category of entry visa is applied for and the requisite documentation provided.
It is also important for travellers to bring any necessary documentation supporting the reason for entering Malaysia. The e-VISA must be printed clearly on plain A4 size paper along with the passport for immigration clearance. Additional documentation could include the long-term pass approval from Immigration Department of Malaysia, invitation letter from the host, itinerary or hotel booking, for example.
Receiving the e-VISA does not guarantee entry rights. Entry is still subject to immigration clearance at the point of entry.
Details are available on the Malaysian immigration website.4
FOOTNOTES
1 See High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, “VISA Requirement for Foreigner” (27 April 2023) and Expatriate Services Division, “Updated: Extension eVISA Facility Applications from Singapore” (27 March 2023).
2 See Immigration Division, High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore, “Entry Requirements and Visa Procedure to Malaysia,“ Updated on 13 March 2023.
3 See the Immigration Department of Malaysia e-VISA Portal.
4 See eVISA Malaysia, “Terms & Conditions” and FAQ (Updated on 22 February 2023).
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law 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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