Malaysia Introduces New Short-Term Social Visit Pass
The government of Malaysia has just introduced a new short-term social visit pass called PLS@XPATS. This pass authorizes foreign nationals to carry out critical work in specifically defined industrial sectors. The pass is valid for thirty days from the date of the approval notice and is valid only for a single entry.
The permitted sectors in which a foreign national can work are government, a Government Linked Company (GLC), and the private sector. Permissible private sector industries include security and defense; manufacturing; construction; health and medical; oil, gas, and energy; finance and banking; electrical and electronics; wholesale and retail; tourism; business services; commodities; education; agriculture; aviation; and information, technology, and infrastructure.
The PLS@XPATS pass is open to all foreign nationals, except citizens of Israel and Afghanistan, who are age eighteen or older, and who have expertise in the aforementioned designated fields. The pass is only applicable in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, excluding Sabah and Sarawak.
How to Apply
The employer/company or sponsor should make the application there is no cost for the PLS@XPATS pass and the processing time is only three (3) business days. No extensions are permitted. Applicants can apply for a new PLS@XPATS pass as soon as the previous pass has expired; however, applicants must be outside of Malaysia when the sponsor/company submits a new application. No passes will be granted to dependents. Blacklisted applicants are ineligible. Eligible applicants must apply to the Government of Malaysia’s immigration portal at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/plsXpats/main.
Applicants must have a letter of application from the company; a copy of their latest passport (all pages); a Company Registration Certificate with the Companies Commission (e-SSM); project schedule and description; a job description; and round-trip flight ticket (if through air gate). The applicant’s passport must have at least a six-month validity period.
For citizens requiring a visa before entering Malaysia, applicants must apply online at https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my or apply for a visa at the Malaysian Representative Office before traveling to Malaysia. Applicants are not allowed to enter Malaysia using a Visa
on Arrival (VOA) for PLS@XPATS. Applicants who arrive at a Malaysian port of entry without their PLS@XPATS approval notice will not be permitted to enter the country.
The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Instead, all information contained herein is for general informational purposes only. Comments may be addressed to Fakhoury Global Immigration at info@employmentimmigration.com or (+1) 248.643.4900