On 6 July, TalentCorp hosted a high tea networking function at Le Meridien hotel in Kuala Lumpur. This event brought together the actual people representing TalentCorp’s three primary focus groups, namely expats holding the Residence Pass-Talent visa, as well as Malaysians who have worked overseas and taken advantage of TalentCorp’s Returning Expert Programme and come back to Malaysia. Also in attendance were executives and human resources managers from some of the largest and most prestigious companies in Malaysia, companies with whom TalentCorp engages to fulfill their initiatives and attract and retain talent in the country, such as IBM, Maxis, Shell, and CIMB.
In the 15 months since its inception, TalentCorp has approved some 800 applications for the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T). This pass has been met with an especially enthusiastic response from expats. Among the chief benefits are that, as an RP-T holder, the expat worker is granted a 10-year multiple-entry visa that is not tethered to one specific employer, and that the pass holder’s spouse may seek employment without the need to apply for a separate Employment Pass.
The flexibility to change jobs without having to renew the pass is especially helpful. As one expat executive stated, “I’m very happy with my current employer, but it’s nice to know that at least I have that option to change. In a way, it makes me feel more a part of Malaysia and the broader community here, rather than just being connected solely to my employer.”
Possibly the next best thing to Permanent Residency, the RP-T not only allows foreigners to live and work freely in Malaysia for up to 10 years at a time, the pass also extends five-year social visa privileges to the adult dependents (over age 18), parents, and parents-in-law of the RP-T holder. The spouse and under-18 dependents of the pass holder are eligible for the corresponding full 10-year visa.
In addition to the success story of the RP-T programme, even the standard Employment Pass programme has been given a facelift. Now, expats approved for an Employment Pass will receive a Government-issued i-Pass card. The card not only serves as photo identification in lieu of a passport for expats working in Malaysia, but also facilitates travel within the country, as well. Expats holding either the i-Pass or RP-T can also use the expatriate immigration lane at KLIA.
At the networking event, TalentCorp’s Chief Executive Officer Johan Mahmood Merican also spoke about the ongoing success of the Returning Expert Programme, sharing that since January 2011, TalentCorp has approved nearly 1,200 applications from Malaysians abroad seeking to return to their home country. This long-term programme, aimed at motivating qualified Malaysians currently living and working abroad to bring their talents back home and move the country towards its goal of being a high-income nation by 2020. For working expats and Malaysians alike, the TalentCorp high tea networking function was a terrific opportunity to meet and mingle with dozens dedicated people all working to drive Malaysia towards the future, and to see firsthand some of the fruits of TalentCorp’s efforts over the last year.
For more information on TalentCorp and its initiatives, please visit www.talentcorp.com.my.
Read more: Expats with the New Residence Pass in Malaysia
Source: The Expat August 2012
Read More: Residence Pass in Malaysia Offers Expats a 10 Year Long Visa
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