IMPACT – MEDIUM

Malaysia’s Expatriate Services Division has announced that it will require companies to advertise job vacancies to local workers via the JobsMalaysia website before an expatriate’s Employment Pass (EP) application will be considered for approval.

Key Points:

  • The job advertisement must be available in the JobsMalaysia portal for a minimum of 30 days. If there are no successful local hires during this period, JobsMalaysia will issue a confirmation letter called “Surat Perakuan,” which is valid for three months. The Surat Perakuan will take 14-21 working days to be issued.
  • Among other things, this letter will confirm that the company has advertised a job vacancy at JobsMalaysia, and it is allowed to hire an expatriate to fill the job vacancy. The company will then need to upload this letter as a supporting document when applying for an expatriate’s Employment Pass application.
  • The Ministry of Human Resources also advised that companies are required to participate in any career fairs organized by JobsMalaysia and must screen through interviews with potential local candidates before the same job position is being filled by an expatriate.

Additional Information: JobsMalaysia is an automatic online job matching system provided by the Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR), Malaysia which helps job seekers look for suitable job opportunities. The new requirement is part of the government’s initiative to provide more employment opportunities to local workers.

Analysis & Comments: Deloitte is seeking clarification on the implementation date of the job advertisement requirement. The new job advertising requirement may slow the process for companies that wish to hire expatriates in Malaysia. Employers may need to adjust their time lines to account for the additional time.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the reminder? MDEC’s eXpats Service Centre has announced it will begin accepting projections from companies on their 2021 needs for foreign knowledge workers on Nov. 3.

  • Implementation time frame: Projections will be accepted beginning Nov. 3.
  • Visas/permits affected: Employment passes; professional visit passes.
  • Who is affected: Companies registered with MDEC (companies with MSC and ICT status).
  • Processing: MDEC processing times range from 14 to 20 business days; ESD processing times range from seven to 10 business days.
  • Business impact: Foreign knowledge worker projections must be approved before applying for employment passes (both new and renewal).

Additional Information: The eXpats Service Centre has recommended that only companies with foreign knowledge worker projection requirements (EP New/Renewal) in the first quarter of 2021 should submit their projections first.

MSC/ICT status companies are allowed to submit their foreign knowledge worker projections throughout 2021 based on their foreign-hiring needs. The 2020 foreign knowledge worker projection submission window remains open until Nov. 14.

Companies must submit the following supporting documents with their foreign worker projection requests:

  • Master service agreements (MSA) with all appendices, scope of work (SOW), letter of award (LOA), purchase order (PO), invoices, etc.
  • List of project(s) with duration and project value
  • Copy of latest audited account and current management account
  • Latest EPF statement for 2020
  • Latest IRB CP39 form.

Analysis & Comments: Companies should plan to submit their foreign-worker projections as early as possible to avoid the year-end holiday slowdown. Although there is no official deadline for filing, companies should aim to obtain approval by Dec. 31 to avoid any issues in submitting renewal applications, especially renewals for permits that expire in January, February or March.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Malaysia recently updated COVID-19 quarantine requirements.

Key Points:

  • Effective Sept. 24, all foreigners entering Malaysia must pay the mandatory quarantine lodging fee of RM2,100 as well as an additional operation fee of RM2,600. Lodging fees for the second and third individual sharing a room with the first individual will be RM700, and free for children under the age of six. The allocation of quarantine stations is strictly subject to availability upon arrival and no prior booking is allowed.
  • Effective Sept. 27, individuals traveling from Sabah must undergo mandatory home quarantine, as well as compulsory COVID-19 health inspection and screening activities upon arrival at entry points in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Malaysia recently has expanded the categories of expatriates who are allowed into the country.

Key Points:

  • Expatriates in the following categories were allowed to enter Malaysia beginning Sept. 21:
    • Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T), and their dependents.
    • Employment Pass (Category EP I, II, and III).
    • Professional Visit Pass (PVP).
    • Dependant Pass to expatriates of all categories.
    • Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) to expatriates of all categories.
    • Foreign Maids to expatriates of all categories.
  • Foreign nationals who are eligible to enter the country will be required to apply for Entry Permission or Approval to Exit and Return to Malaysia via the MYEntry system. Expatriates who wish to exit Malaysia without returning during while the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is in effect may proceed without applying for approval via MYEntry. For more details on the entry requirements and procedures, please click here.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.  Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Malaysia has relaxed its entry ban for some travelers.

Key Points:

  • Expatriates and their dependants and professional visit pass-holders from the following 23 countries in Malaysia’s enforced entry ban list are now allowed to enter the country: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, they must obtain entry permission from the Director General of Immigration Malaysia (DGIM) prior to traveling to Malaysia.
  • In addition, expatriates for all categories and their dependants and professional visit pass-holders must also obtain entry permission from DGIM before they can enter the country. Their application must also be accompanied by a support letter from the Malaysian Investment Development Authorities or related agencies.
  • The government has also decided to allow permanent residents and MM2H holders to enter. Foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens will be allowed to enter Malaysia as well provided it is a one-way journey and that they remain in Malaysia. These categories also require obtaining entry permission from DGIM.
  • Student pass-holders from the affected countries will also be allowed to enter with entry permission from DGIM.

Background: Malaysia implemented strict COVID-19 preventative measures in March, including barring entry to foreign nationals.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of the entry ban for certain individuals will allow greater movement of people into Malaysia. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The foreign ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have announced that the two countries are targeting to resume cross-border travel Aug. 10 for some categories of employees.

Key Points:

  • The commuting arrangement will apply to long-term pass holders and those traveling on essential or official business.
  • Those eligible to use the green lane must submit a “controlled itinerary” to the receiving country and will be subject to a COVID-19 swab test.
  • After working at least three consecutive months in the country where they are employed, long-term pass holders may return to their home country on short-term leave, and then re-enter their country of employment to resume work for at least another three consecutive months.

Additional information: Singapore implemented a similar “fast-lane” travel arrangement with China in June. Officials of both countries are working out the details of the cross-border travel arrangement and will publish information on the requirements and application process for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore 10 days before the Aug. 10 start date.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Malaysia has replaced the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) with the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), and has issued new entry procedures for expatriates, dependents, and foreign domestic workers, effective from June 10 to Aug. 31.

Key Points:

  • Expatriates, dependents, and foreign domestic workers with valid passes currently stranded abroad can now submit an entry permission application, together with a Support Letter from the relevant approving agency or regulatory body (e.g., the Expatriate Services Division [ESD] or Malaysian Investment Development Authority [MIDA]), to the Director General of Immigration Malaysia at pbf@imi.gov.my.
  • For new applications for expatriates currently abroad, companies may now submit pass applications (Employment Pass [EP], Professional Visit Pass [PVP] or Dependant Pass [DP]) to the relevant approving agency or regulatory body (ESD, MISA, or Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation [MDeC]) to obtain an Approval Letter and Support Letter. They can then submit an entry permission application, together with the Approval Letter and Support Letter, to the Director General of Immigration Malaysia at pbf@imi.gov.my.
  • Approval will be given within seven working days from the date of submission; and applications that do not receive a response within this timeframe can be considered to be rejected.
  • If the application is approved, ESD will issue an Entry Approval Letter to the company with copies sent to the approving agency or regulatory body, National Disaster Management Agency Malaysia (NADMA), National Security Council Malaysia, Malaysian Mission Abroad, Foreign Missions, and related agencies.
  • Individuals must then undergo a COVID-19 PCR test abroad, and be medically confirmed to be free of COVID-19 before entering Malaysia.
  • Visa-required nationals must also obtain a visa from a Malaysian embassy or consulate.
  • Upon arrival in Malaysia, both the Entry Approval Letter and COVID-19 PCR test results must be presented to the immigration officer at the entry checkpoint. The individual may also be required to undergo an additional COVID-19 swab test if instructed to do so by officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the point of arrival.
  • The individual would then be required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine at their residence or a hotel, and download/install the ‘MySejahtera’ mobile app issued by MOH for monitoring purposes.

Background: Malaysia imposed the initial Movement Control Order in March and has extended it several times since then.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has extended the movement control order (MCO) a fourth time since it was initially implemented March 18.

Key Points:

  • The MCO is extended until June 9.
  • Non-essential businesses remain shut.
  • Domestic and international travel continue to be prohibited.

Background: The government began easing some restrictions on the economic sector earlier this month.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced that a Conditional Movement Control Order is in effect as of May 4, allowing for certain economic and social activities to resume. Immigration services and requirements have been updated in response to the CMCO.

Key Points:

  • Submission of immigration-related documents is permitted by appointment only; walk-ins are strictly prohibited.
  • Foreign nationals who have overstayed from Jan. 1, 2020 until 14 days after the end of the Movement Control Order (MCO) can leave Malaysia without being blacklisted.
  • Pass facilitation for foreigners whose pass has expired from Feb. 1 can be completed at any immigration office within 30 working days from the end of MCO.
  • Malaysian citizens do not need an appointment for Security and Passport Division transactions.
  • The following table provides more information on appointments and available services:
Immigration office/service center Date of resumption Appointment link
Immigration Headquarters (HQ), Putrajaya May 6 www.sto.imi.gov.my
Accessible from Friday, May 8.
Expatriate Services Division (ESD) Department, Putrajaya May 6 www.esd.imi.gov.my
Visa, Pass, and Permit Division, Immigration HQ Putrajaya May 6 www.powerq.my
For Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), Special Pass Yaman, and applications for filming and performances by overseas artists.
Enforcement Unit, Immigration HQ Putrajaya May 13 N/A
For overstayers, newborn foreigners in Malaysia, and loss of passport.Foreigners with confirmed tickets (flight/ferry/bus) are allowed to walk in for submission.
MYXpats Centre, Surian Tower May 13 www.esd.imi.gov.my
Accessible from Monday, May 4.
MDeC Service Centre, Cyberjaya Closed until further notice. To be announced.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Closed until further notice. To collect a Letter of Good Conduct, email skb_admin@kln.gov.my or contact +603-8887 4311/4159/4100 to make an appointment.

To make a legalization appointment, email Ms. Julia Suhaili (juliasu@kln.gov.my) and Mr. Mohd Tarmizi Mohd Taib (mizie@kln.gov.my).
Malaysia Institute Translation & Books Closed until further notice. Submit applications online at www.itbm.com.my/terjemahan or email sales@itbm.com.my.


Background: The government imposed travel restrictions in March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and extended the MCO for a third time last month.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Malaysia has extended a temporary movement control order a third time to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • The order, which was implemented in March and extended to April 14 and then again to April 28, has been extended a third time until May 12.

Background: The original MCO issued in March implemented a number of travel restrictions. It barred visitors from entering Malaysia and Malaysian nationals from traveling abroad. It also closed government offices and private businesses, except for those providing essential services. Additionally, a penalty of RM1,000 and/or six months in jail was established for violating the MCO.

The government has implemented an enhanced MCO that further restricts the movement of residents in locations within the country with large numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: The extension will continue to affect the movement of people into Malaysia, and it may be extended again. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.