Authorities enforcing rule on pass transfer

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Malaysian authorities are strictly enforcing a rule requiring foreigners holding new passports to take steps to transfer their employment passes and other passes to their new passports.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who obtain a new passport should observe “transfer of endorsement” rules to avoid delays while entering or exiting the country.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Any type of pass.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals who have recently obtained a new passport.
• Impact on processing times: While enforcement of this rule does not itself impact processing times, noncompliance may cause delays at immigration exit or entry points.

Background: As BAL has reported, foreign nationals who hold employment or dependent passes must transfer their passes to their new passports as soon as the passport is issued. BAL has seen a recent uptick in the enforcement of this rule. Foreign nationals who are subject to entry visa requirements may be forced to apply for a visa if they leave Malaysia before they transfer their pass to their new passport. Expired passports must be canceled or annulled before authorities will transfer passes or permits to new passports.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals should be aware of the recent enforcement effort and be sure to transfer their employment passes and dependent passes to a new passport as soon as it is issued.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Malaysia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.