Immigration update: Malaysia | Introduces mandatory Reference Visa for specific categories
With immediate effect all Foreign Knowledge Workers (FKW) and their dependents including foreign maids who require a visa to enter Malaysia must obtain Reference Visa (single entry visa) prior to entry into the country.
Who are affected?
• Expatriates
• Dependents of Expatriates
• Maids of Expatriates
Background
In line with this requirement, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has extended the use of MYVisa system (eVISA) to all respective nationalities. An eVISA can be applied from any country except Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, and North Korea. Please refer to https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/ to apply for the eVISA. The website can only be accessed from countries which are not mentioned above.
For reference visa applications, an approval letter must include “Visa Collection Centre”. Hence, all applications that have been approved without visa collection centre, the approval must be amended before entering Malaysia as the Journey Performed payment facility is no longer available. Failure to obtain a visa prior to entry will cause the traveller to be charged with “Not to Land” (NTL) at the Malaysian border and will be deported.
The visa application can be made via:
- eVisa online application platform
eVisa can be applied from any countries except Malaysia, Singapore, Israel and North Korea. Please refer to https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/ for eVisa application. - Malaysian Representative Offices Overseas
Reference Visa (Single Entry Visa) can be applied at Malaysian Representative Offices Overseas as stated on MDEC’s Approval letter.
Implementation
Effective immediately
Santa Fe Analysis
- Approval letters must include the SEV (Single Entry Visa) details to enable it to be captured in the system to ease E-Visa application
- Individuals need not to go personally to the embassies in their respective countries as the E-Visa can be applied online.
How Santa Fe can assist
Santa Fe can support on the above process by vetting the relevant documentations for accuracy so that you may travel in peace and guiding on further questions you might have.
Santa Fe can also 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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