Easier and Faster Process for Expats to Get Immigration Passes

Expatriates arriving in Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) can now get Immigration pass stickers at the airport's Expatriate Services Division Satellite Centre, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He said the old procedure took up to 30 days for expatriates to receive an Immigration pass sticker that allows them to work in Malaysia. Hamzah claimed the facility will help people to conduct business faster and easier in this country. He added the ESC is a step forward in terms of services for investors and expatriates who come to Malaysia.

Previously, expatriates who obtained an Immigration pass approval letter while abroad were given a 30-day Special Pass, and their employers were required to make an appointment with the Immigration office within 30 days to complete the process of issuing Immigration pass stickers for expats and making payment.
These expats could not work during the 30-day period until the Immigration office issued the sticker. 
 

How the new process works

Expatriates who apply for an Immigration pass using the ESC facility will receive an approval letter while abroad and can finish the payment online before arriving in Malaysia. They can then pick up an Immigration pass sticker at the KLIA ESC upon arrival.

Meanwhile, Hamzah stated that the Home Ministry is conducting thorough and holistic research involving expats, including examining expatriate posts, in order to address Malaysia's need for transfer of technology and expertise.

The minister also announced that expats now consist of three Employment Pass categories:

• Employment Pass category 1 (EP1): The top management, such as the company's managing director;

• Employment Pass category 2 (EP2): The middle management; and

• Employment Pass category 3 (EP3): The lower management.

According to Immigration Department figures, there are currently 86,280 active expatriates in the country, with 40,948 from the EP1 category holding top management posts.

Hamzah said Indians were the most numerous expats working and residing in Malaysia, followed by Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, and Indonesians.

When asked if the ESC facility will be spread to other airports in the country, he answered that for the time being, the ESC would only be available 24 hours a day in the arrival hall of the KLIA main terminal. He explained that for the time being, the ministry will use KLIA first as most of the expats come through KLIA.

Source: BERNAMA

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