Effective September 1, 2024, Malaysia will implement substantial revisions to its visa filing fees for expatriates and their dependents. The MYXpats Centre, a division of the Immigration Department, announced these changes, signaling a shift in the nation’s immigration policies. The revised fee structure aims to balance the needs of expatriates with Malaysia’s regulatory requirements while ensuring the country remains attractive to skilled professionals.
The changes will impact several commonly used visa categories, including the Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and Long-Term Social Visit Pass. The Employment Pass fee, which authorizes expatriates to work in Malaysia, will increase from MYR 800 (approximately INR 15,490) to MYR 2,000 (approximately INR 38,727). This pass is crucial for expatriates seeking employment with Malaysian companies, granting them the right to work under contracts lasting up to 60 months. The hike is part of a broader effort to adjust Malaysia’s immigration and visa policies in line with current economic conditions.
The Dependent Pass, allowing Employment Pass holders to bring their immediate family members to Malaysia, will also see a fee increase. The fee will rise from MYR 450 (around INR 8,713) to MYR 500 (approximately INR 9,681). This pass covers dependents such as spouses and children under 18, permitting them to reside in Malaysia for the duration of the expatriate’s employment.
The Professional Visit Pass, designed for foreign professionals with the necessary qualifications or skills to offer services or undergo training in Malaysia on behalf of an overseas company, will experience a fee increase from MYR 800 (approximately INR 15,490) to MYR 1,200 (about INR 23,235). This pass allows holders to stay in Malaysia for a short-term period of up to one year, enabling them to deliver professional services or engage in practical training.
Similarly, the Long-Term Social Visit Pass, intended for foreigners planning temporary stays of at least six months, will see its filing fee increase from MYR 450 (about INR 8,713) to MYR 500 (around INR 9,681). This pass is frequently issued to foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens, allowing them to reside in Malaysia for a period of up to five years. Importantly, holders of this pass can engage in paid employment or business activities without needing to switch their pass to an Employment Pass or Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment).
Alongside the fee adjustments, the Immigration Department of Malaysia announced plans to expedite application processing times for select companies. Businesses classified under Tier 1, Tier 2, and those in the Critical Sector will enjoy a reduced processing duration from five working days to three. This initiative aims to simplify the application process for expatriates, enabling faster decision-making and benefiting both expatriates seeking employment in Malaysia and companies that rely on skilled foreign professionals.
The hike in visa fees may pose challenges for expatriates and the companies that employ them, particularly in industries heavily reliant on foreign talent. However, the shortened processing times may help alleviate some of these challenges by enabling quicker approvals, reducing delays, and minimizing downtime for businesses awaiting permits for their expatriate employees. The MYXpats Centre has confirmed that applications submitted before September 1, 2024, will be handled according to the existing fee structure, providing a limited opportunity for applicants to avoid the impending fee increases.
