Malaysia has increased its visa application fees for foreign workers wanting to enter the country for employment purposes and their dependent family members.
Such changes, which entered into force on September 1, 2024, will affect several main categories of visas, including employment permits, professional visit permits, long-term social visit permits, and VisaGuide.World reports.
The most significant changeis the increase in the Employment Pass fee, which allows expats to work in Malaysia. The new fare is MYR 2,000 (approximately $430), up from MYR 800 (about $172).
This visa allows expats to work with Malaysian companies under a contract lasting up to 60 months.
In addition, employment permit holders can apply for a dependent permit for their family members, including spouses and children under 18. The fee for dependent permits, known also as Dependent Pass, has increased, rising from MYR 450 ($97) to MYR 500 (about $108).
Short-Term & Long-Term Visa Holders in Malaysia to Face Fee Increases Too
Similarly, the Professional Visit Pass, designed for foreign professionals who come to Malaysia for short-term assignments or training on behalf of an international company, has seen a fee adjustment. The new fee is MYR 1,200 (approximately $258), an increase from the previous MYR 800 (around $172). This pass allows its holders to stay in Malaysia for up to one year to deliver professional services or undergo practical training.
The Long-Term Social Visit Pass, typically granted to foreigners intending to stay in Malaysia for at least six months, often to foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens, will also experience a fee hike. The revised fee is MYR 500 ($108), up from MYR 450 ($97). This pass permits holders to live in Malaysia for up to five years. It provides the added benefit of engaging in paid work or business activities without switching to an Employment Pass or Visitor’s Pass for temporary employment.
In addition to the upcoming fee increase, the Malaysian Immigration Department has revealed another improvement in the processing time of applications for specific sectors. Effective immediately, companies classified under Tier 1, Tier 2 and Critical Sectors will benefit from a reduced processing time – from five working days to just three.
This expedited timeline is designed to streamline the visa application process for expats, allowing for faster decision-making and smoother transitions.