Malaysia Increases Visa Fees For Foreign Workers By 150%: Key Details Here

One of the most significant changes is the increase in the fee for the Employment Pass, which permits expatriates to work in Malaysia. The cost has been raised by approximately 150 per cent

The Employment Pass is issued for contracts of up to 60 months and serves as a work permit for skilled foreign nationals

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Malaysia has raised visa filing fees for expatriates and their dependents from September 1, 2024. The revised fees, announced by the MYXpats Centre within the Immigration Department's Expatriate Services Division, will affect major visa categories, including the Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and Long-Term Social Visit Pass.

Employment Pass Fee

One of the most significant changes is the increase in the fee for the Employment Pass, which permits expatriates to work in Malaysia. The cost has been raised by approximately 150 per cent to MYR 2,000 (Rs 38,727), up from the previous fee of MYR 800 (Rs 15,490).

The Employment Pass is issued for contracts of up to 60 months and serves as a work permit for skilled foreign nationals. It allows expatriates to work in Malaysia for a specific employer and role, typically in managerial, technical, or executive positions.

Types Of Employment Pass

Malaysia's Employment Pass is divided into three categories:

Category I: Designed for expatriates with a monthly salary of at least RM 10,000 (Rs 192,853), this pass is valid for contracts of up to five years. Holders of this category passes can bring dependents (spouse and children) and hire a foreign domestic helper.

Category II: Intended for those earning between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999 per month, this pass is usually issued for up to two years and allows the inclusion of dependents.

Category III: This pass is valid for a maximum of 12 months and can be renewed up to two times for employees earning between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999 monthly. Dependents are not permitted under this category.

Pass holders can also apply for Dependent Passes for their family members, which have experienced a fee increase:

New Dependent Pass Fee: MYR 500 (Rs 9,681)

Previous Fee: MYR 450 (Rs 8,713)

Additionally, the fee for the Professional Visit Pass, which is issued to foreign professionals coming to Malaysia for service provision or training, has also risen:

New Professional Visit Pass Fee: MYR 1,200 (Rs 23,235)

Previous Fee: MYR 800 (Rs 15,490)

The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a short-term work permit that allows foreign nationals to undertake temporary assignments or project-based work in Malaysia while remaining employed by a company outside the country. It is specifically designed for professionals who need to engage in temporary work or training in Malaysia with their primary employer located elsewhere.

The PVP is available for those working in technology transfer, consultancy services, training, and research. Specifically, the PVP can be applied for by individuals engaged in:

Engineering and Construction (for short-term technical roles); IT and Telecommunications (for temporary software installations or troubleshooting); Education (academics involved in research or delivering lectures); and Consultancy and Training Services (for short-term projects or assignments).

Additionally, the fee for the Long-Term Social Visit Pass, primarily issued to foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens, has increased:

Previous Fee: MYR 450 (Rs 8,713)

New Fee: MYR 500 (Rs 9,681)

This pass allows foreign nationals to reside in Malaysia for extended periods for social or family reasons. It is granted to individuals with close family connections in Malaysia or in cases where long-term stays are warranted. The pass is designed for non-work-related purposes, such as joining family members, receiving medical treatment, or accompanying a spouse, and is not intended for employment.

The Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) is typically issued for foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens, children of Malaysian citizens born abroad, parents or immediate family members of expatriates holding an Employment Pass in Malaysia and foreign nationals requiring extended medical treatment in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has also streamlined processing times for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Critical Sector companies. Applications from these companies will now be processed within three working days, reduced from the previous five-day period.