Malaysia will hike visa filing fees for expatriates, dependents, and foreign workers from September 1, 2024. The Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division, through the MYXpats Centre, announced the new fee structure aimed at streamlining immigration processes.
Key Visa Fee Increases
According to an official of the Immigration Department, the fee increase is necessary to cover the rising costs of providing visa services. The department also hopes that the higher fees will help to deter illegal immigration and ensure that only genuine applicants are granted visas.
The revised fees, which exclude the 8% Sales and Services Tax (SST), are as follows:
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The fee for the Employment Pass, which allows expatriates to work in Malaysia, will rise from MYR 800 to MYR 2,000. This pass is crucial for professionals working in the country, and the new fee reflects the government’s focus on managing the influx of foreign workers.
2. Dependent Pass (DP)
The Dependent Pass, which covers spouses, children under 18, and children with disabilities (with no age limit), will now cost MYR 500, up from MYR 450. This pass is essential for families of expatriates, ensuring they can reside in Malaysia legally.
3. Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)
The fee for the Long-Term Social Visit Pass, which applies to common-law spouses, children aged 18-25, and parents/parents-in-law, will also increase to MYR 500, up from MYR 450. This pass allows extended family members to stay in Malaysia for a longer period.
4. Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
The Professional Visit Pass, meant for foreign professionals such as lecturers and professors who are visiting Malaysia temporarily, will now cost MYR 1,200, up from MYR 800. This pass allows qualified professionals to work in Malaysia for up to a year, often providing valuable expertise to local organizations.
The below table outlines the new and previous fees for various visa passes in Malaysia, effective from September 1, 2024.
| Pass Type | New Fee (MYR) | Previous Fee (MYR) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | 2,000 | 800 |
| Dependent Pass (DP) | 500 | 450 |
| Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) | 500 | 450 |
| Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | 1,200 | 800 |
Must Read: Malaysia Eases Professional Visit Pass Process: Fewer Documents, Faster Approval
Other Services
Transfer of Endorsement (TOE): The fee for the Transfer of Endorsement will remain at MYR 150. This service is necessary when expatriates change their passports while in Malaysia.
Cancellation of Passes and Special Passes: These services will continue to be offered free of charge, ensuring that expatriates and their families can leave the country or change their visa status without additional financial burden.
Streamlined Application Processing Time
The Immigration Department of Malaysia has also reduced the processing time for visa applications for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Critical Sector companies.
The processing time will be reduced from five working days to three, allowing for quicker decisions on expatriate applications. This change is expected to benefit companies that rely on foreign talent by speeding up the process of bringing in skilled workers.
Final Words
These fee adjustments and improvements in processing times reflect Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to manage its immigration system efficiently while maintaining its attractiveness as a destination for expatriates and foreign professionals.
The new fee structure, effective from September 1, 2024, is a significant change for those planning to work or live in Malaysia, and expatriates and their employers must be aware of these updates.
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