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IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Malaysian government will require employers to register with government authorities in February in order to hire foreign nationals under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation.
Key Points:
Additional Information: The registration requirement does not affect work and immigration authorizations that were issued before Jan. 1, 2023.
BAL Analysis: Employers should seek to obtain an approval letter or have proof of registration with the JTKSM as soon as possible to avoid delays when applying for Work Pass projections.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Malaysian government expanded access to its expedited entry process for Long-Term Pass holders.
BAL Analysis: The Malaysian government expanded access to its expedited entry processes for Long-Term pass holders to reduce travel wait times and streamline entry and exit processes for many foreign nationals.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Malaysian government recently announced that it will introduce an electronic pass (ePASS) feature for renewing Employment Passes online.
BAL Analysis: The Malaysian government will introduce the ePASS feature to simplify the Employment Pass renewal process and reduce the number of pages used to endorse such passes on foreign nationals’ passports. BAL will continue to monitor changes to Expatriate Services Division-related services and will provide more information as it becomes available.
The Malaysian government has introduced a Premium Visa Program (PVIP) for investors to live and work in the country.
Additional Information: Foreign nationals can be of any age to apply for the PVIP and do not need to meet minimum stay requirements to qualify. More information regarding the PVIP is available here.
BAL Analysis: The Malaysian government introduced the new investor visa program to attract more investors, entrepreneurs and foreign talent to not only live in the country but to work and study as well. Previously, Malaysia’s investor visa program did not allow foreign nationals to work or study in the country.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Malaysian government has reminded employers registered on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal to submit their Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) quota projections for 2023.
Additional Information: More information regarding the 2023 projections application process is available here.
BAL Analysis: Companies should plan to submit their projections as soon as possible to avoid possible delays.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Malaysian government has launched a program called PLS@XPATS, allowing qualifying foreign nationals to work in Malaysia during short-term visits.
Additional Information: Visa-required foreign nationals must obtain a Visa Without Reference (VTR) at their local Malaysian embassy or consulate or apply for an e-visa through this website to enter the country through the PLS@XPATS program.
BAL Analysis: Malaysian authorities launched the PLS@XPATS program to shorten the processing times for qualifying foreign nationals, giving them work authorization more quickly than other programs.
The Malaysian government has introduced a Digital Nomad visa.
BAL Analysis: The new visa was created to bring more foreign national “digital nomads” to the country to stimulate the economy, create jobs and help the country recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Malaysian government has lifted its COVID-19 entry requirements for all travelers.
Additional Information: Travelers can download and use the MySejahtera application before or after arrival in Malaysia to track their COVID-19 risk status while staying in Malaysia. More information regarding health policies for those who test positive for COVID-19 while in Malaysia is available here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The Malaysian government has announced that it will ease its COVID-19 entry and quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in Malaysia.
Additional Information: Travelers under the age of 18, regardless of their vaccination status, will be exempt from the post arrival testing and quarantine requirements. More information regarding Malaysia’s COVID-19 entry and health policies is available here.
The Malaysian government has exempted certain work pass holders from needing to get MYEntry or MYTravelPass permissions to enter Malaysia.
BAL Analysis: The Malaysian government intends to streamline application process for the applying for the passes listed above.