IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Malaysian Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has announced new application features and fees for expatriate employment permits and professional visit passes. The changes will go into effect June 1.

Key points:

  • New services. New online services for transfer of endorsement and cancellation of passes; online support chat function available for companies, and increased upload file size available (10MB to 20MB per attachment); new kiosk station facilities to open at MYXpats centers; new online portal features to improve the “online customer experience.”
  • Additional centers to open. ESD will open new MYXpats centers in Penang and Johor. More information about the centers and the opening dates will be announced by ESD.
  • Fees. Applicants are now able to pay immigration fees directly on the MYXpats portal. Below are the new fees, effective June 1:
Online Services (New and Renewal) New Fees
Employment pass 1,060 Malaysian ringgit (about US$256)
Dependent pass and long-term social visit pass RM 530
Professional visit pass RM 1,060
Transfer of endorsement, cancellation of passes Free of online application charges*

 

*However, immigration charges will apply. The method of payment for the immigration charges has yet to be announced by ESD. Companies are informed to wait for the announcement.

Additional information: Effective June 1, the MYXpats Centre will refund 60% of the application fee for rejected applications, excluding the immigration service fee, which will not be refunded.

Analysis & Comments: Companies should factor the fee increases into their budgets and, if possible, consider filing affected applications before the rate hikes take effect. More information on the changes can be found here.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.