IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Authorities have announced that foreign nationals applying for employment or dependent passes in the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector must upload supporting documents online.

What does the change mean? Effective immediately, photographs, employment contracts and other supporting documents must be uploaded to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s ICT portal. The checklist of supporting documents is available at this e-Xpats Service Centre website.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Employment and dependent passes in the ICT sector.
  • Who is affected:  Employers and foreign nationals applying for employment or dependent passes in the ICTsector.
  •  Impact on processing times: Processing may be unnecessarily delayed if supporting documents are not properly submitted.

Background: In January, the e-Xpats Service Center announced that supporting-document requirements would change for permit applications in the ICT sector. Authorities have now said that while the list of required supporting documents will not change, the documents that are required must be uploaded online. Hard copies will not be accepted unless specifically requested by MDEC. Authorities may also ask for additional documents, including hard copies, on a case-by-case basis.

BAL Analysis: Employers and foreign nationals applying for employment or dependent passes in the ICT sector should make sure they comply with the new rules on supporting documents. Applications that do not have the proper supporting documents could face delayed processing.

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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