COVID-19: Entry ban relaxed on certain expatriates, professional visit pass-holders

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Malaysia has relaxed its entry ban for some travelers.

Key Points:

• Expatriates and their dependants and professional visit pass-holders from the following 23 countries in Malaysia’s enforced entry ban list are now allowed to enter the country: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, they must obtain entry permission from the Director General of Immigration Malaysia (DGIM) prior to traveling to Malaysia.
• In addition, expatriates for all categories and their dependants and professional visit pass-holders must also obtain entry permission from DGIM before they can enter the country. Their application must also be accompanied by a support letter from the Malaysian Investment Development Authorities or related agencies.
• The government has also decided to allow permanent residents and MM2H holders to enter. Foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens will be allowed to enter Malaysia as well provided it is a one-way journey and that they remain in Malaysia. These categories also require obtaining entry permission from DGIM.
• Student pass-holders from the affected countries will also be allowed to enter with entry permission from DGIM.

Background: Malaysia implemented strict COVID-19 preventative measures in March, including barring entry to foreign nationals.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of the entry ban for certain individuals will allow greater movement of people into Malaysia. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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