Immigration update: Malaysia | Extension of MCO and reduced mandatory quarantine period
The Government of Malaysia has further extended the MCO to the 18th February 2021 and made the decision to reduce the mandatory quarantine period for all inbound expatriates and their dependants, from fourteen (14) days to ten (10) days.
Who are affected?
Expatriates on EP (All categories), their dependents and maids.
Background
Malaysia entered a recovery phase regarding the COVID19 pandemic.
The Malaysian Government announced some changes under the Prevention Act and Infectious Disease Control 1988 and Police Act 1967:
1) MCO
The Government of Malaysia has announced to reinstate the Movement Control Order (MCO) from 26th January 2021 until the 4th February 2021. This has been further extended to the 18th February 2021.
2) Quarantine Period
The Ministry of Health announced that the decision of reducing the quarantine period was made based on studies of clinical reports and global best practices, where countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium have also reduced their quarantine period from 14 to 10 days.
Travellers arriving in Malaysia are required to provide their latest COVID-19 RT-PCR test result at the Permitted Entry Points. If the result is NEGATIVE, the travellers will be placed under mandatory quarantine for seven (7) days. If the travellers are unable to provide their latest COVID-19 RT-PCR test results, they will be placed under mandatory quarantine ten (10) days at the designated Quarantine Centres.
Impact
Delays in processing applications to be anticipated as Immigration authorities are operating on minimal support.
Implementation
Effective from 4th February 2021.
How Santa Fe can assist
We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide an update when possible.
Santa Fe can support your business with any immigration compliance and advisory issues concerning your expatriate population. We can review current employees’ visas and assist with necessary advice or solutions to ensure ongoing compliance with the Malaysian Immigration Act and Regulations.
We will also keep your business updated on ongoing developments on all Malaysian immigration matters and will advise on any changes requiring your attention.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
KS Balasingam
Immigration Team Lead
Santa Fe Relocation
Malaysia
D: +60 19 600 6900
E: ks.balasingam@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
London, UK
D: +44 7990 021125
E: robert.day@santaferelo.com
To read more immigration updates, click here
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