The basic Employment Pass fee is being hiked by an astonishing 250%, with fees for other expat visas also being increased.
Malaysia has announced a hefty increase in filing fees for visa services for expatriates and their dependents, effective from September 1, 2024. According to the MYXpats Centre, which operates under the Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division, the new fees will apply to various types of visas, including the Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and Long-Term Social Visit Pass.
The Employment Pass (EP), which allows expatriates to work in Malaysia, will see its fee rise significantly, jumping from RM800 to RM2,000. Meanwhile, the Dependent Pass fee will increase to RM500, up from RM450.
Similarly, the Long-Term Social Visit Pass will now cost RM500, an increase from the previous fee of RM450, while the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) fee will climb from RM800 to RM1,200.
The EP is designed for expatriates employed by a Malaysian organisation, with a duration tied to their employment contract, which can be up to 60 months. EP holders are also eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass for immediate family members, including spouses and children under 18.
The Professional Visit Pass, on the other hand, is issued to foreign professionals who possess the necessary qualifications or skills. It allows them to temporarily visit Malaysia for up to one year to provide services or receive practical training with a Malaysian company on behalf of a foreign enterprise.
The Long-Term Social Visit Pass is granted for temporary stays in Malaysia, typically for a period of no less than six months. Extensions may be granted depending on eligibility. Foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens can receive this pass for up to five years, with the added benefit of engaging in paid employment or business activities without needing to convert their pass to an Employment Pass or Visitor’s Pass.
In addition to the fee adjustments, Malaysia’s Immigration Department has reduced the application processing time for expats. Companies classified under Tier 1, Tier 2, and the Critical Sector will now benefit from a shortened processing time, with decisions being made within three working days instead of five, ensuring faster turnaround for expatriate visa applications.
Reporting from Reuters and Financial Express contributed to this article.
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