In-person filing to be mandatory for professional visit passes

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Malaysia will begin to strictly enforce in-person filing of applications for Professional Visit Passes.

What does the change mean? A representative of the sponsoring employer must file in person at Malaysian Immigration Department (MID) headquarters in Putrajaya.

• Implementation timeframe: June 15.
• Visas/permits affected: Professional Visit Passes.
• Who is affected: Employers applying for Professional Visit Passes on behalf of foreign employees.
• Impact on processing times: 
• Business impact: The new requirement adds an administrative burden for employers, who must now appoint a representative to appear at MID headquarters with appropriate identifying documentation.
• Next steps: If possible, companies that want to avoid the new in-person filing requirement should file before the new rule takes effect.

Background: The MID is enforcing in-person filings for Professional Visit Passes to root out fraudulent applications. Beginning June 15, a corporate representative of the sponsoring employer must submit applications in person and verify their identity by presenting a recent Employee Provident Fund statement showing contributions within the three months prior to the date of the Professional Visit Pass application. This is the only identification that MID will accept.

BAL Analysis: The new rule signals greater scrutiny of Professional Visit Pass applications and will create an extra step in the process for businesses.

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.

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