Moratorium lifted on Sarawak work permit applications

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Effective immediately, Sarawak state has lifted the moratorium on work permit applications for oil and gas companies.

What does the change mean? Although the freeze affecting work permit applications has been lifted, applications by Petronas (Malaysia’s national oil and gas corporation) and its subsidiaries can only be filed at Sarawak State Immigration Headquarters in Kuching.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Oil and gas companies applying for work permits for Sarawak.

Background: The Immigration Department in Sarawak has confirmed that the week-long moratorium on work permit applications has been lifted and that they have resumed processing work permit applications for oil and gas companies.

BAL Analysis: Applications from Petronas are still being scrutinized more closely, and they must now be submitted in Kuching, regardless of whether they are short-term or long-term work permits.

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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