Immigration Update – Key Changes in Malaysia’s Immigration Policies
Key updates from the Immigration Department and MDEC affecting Employment Passes, Professional Visit Passes, and more for expatriates in Malaysia.
Immigration Update – Malaysia
Immigration Department’s new requirements for all categories of applications i.e. Employment Pass (EP) Categories I, II & III, Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Dependent Pass (DP) and Long Term Social Pass (LTSP), the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has also announced its new requirements and new processes.
EP Categories & Salary Requirements
EP Category I (24 months+): Minimum MYR 5,000
EP Category II: Minimum MYR 5,000
EP Category III (lower salary band): MYR 2,500 – 4,999 (prior Ministry approval required)
Key Changes (Effective 1 Sep 2016)
1. Passport Validity
Passports submitted for endorsement must have at least 12 months validity remaining.
2. Entry with Approval Letter + VDR
Applicants must carry the printed Approval Letter. Visa nationals must obtain VDR abroad using it before final entry for endorsement.
3. Change of Pass Type
Must exit and re-enter after approval to obtain fresh VDR in most cases.
4. Cooling-off Period
3-month cooling-off required for certain EP III changes and specific conversions.
5. Change of Employer
Release letter from previous employer + cancellation of existing EP is now strictly enforced.
6. Newborns & Social Visit Pass Renewals
Additional steps required for children born in Malaysia and for common-law partners / adult children renewals.
Important: Rules evolve. Always cross-check with the latest Immigration Department or MDEC guidelines for your nationality and pass type.