Processing delays in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Processing times are longer than usual for applications submitted to the immigration office in Putrajaya or to Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) in Cyberjaya. The delays may be due in part to the holiday rush, but are also the result of general staffing limitations.

What does the change mean? Companies submitting applications should prepare for possible delays.

• Implementation timeframe: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Applications affected in Putrajaya include Employment Passes, Professional Visit Passes, Dependent Passes and Journey Performed Visas. In Cyberjaya, applications affected include Stage 2 of MSC Status applications as well as Stages 1 and 2 of ICT Status applications.
• Who is affected: Anyone submitting any of the applications listed above.
• Impact on processing times: The holiday season and general staffing limitations have delayed processing.
• Business impact: Businesses could be negatively affected by the processing delays, especially if they do not prepare for them when configuring business plans.
• Next steps: For now, applicants should expect longer-than-usual wait times.

Background: Though the longer processing times appear, in part, due to the holidays, the delays also seem to be caused by general staffing limitations. Longer processing times should be expected until further notice.

In Putrajaya, Employment Passes are taking four to six weeks to process. Professional Visit Passes are taking two to four weeks and Dependent Passes are taking six to eight weeks. Journey Performed Visas are taking seven to 10 business days and Endorsement of Pass applications are taking five to seven business days.

In Cyberjaya, there is no change to Stage 1 of MSC status applications; application processing still takes three to five days. However, Stage 2 of MSC status applications has been delayed, taking between 14 and 21 business days to process. Stage 1 of ICT status applications is taking seven to 10 business days. Stage 2 of ICT status applications is taking 14 business days. Endorsement of Pass applications is taking three to five business days.

BAL Analysis: It is difficult to tell when the longer processing times will subside. For the time being, businesses should figure the delays into their timelines. BAL will continue to monitor processing times and will notify clients of any significant changes.

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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