MALAYSIA – MDeC Changes to Impact Dependents, Long-Term Visitors, and Philippines Knowledge Workers
Recently, Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) has announced several changes to processing that have gone into effect this past Monday, November 10th. Going forward, MDeC will only grant dependent passes to dependents ages 18 and younger. Those who are older than 18 are to be granted long-term social visit passes. Holders of long-term social visit passes are not allowed to do any of the following: study; work; start a business; or become involved in political speeches, lectures, talks, or any other political activities. Additionally, the MDeC is no longer issuing work authorization to foreign workers’ spouses who hold dependent passes. Spouses who would like to work in Malaysia must first obtain an independent Employment Pass. As a final change, foreign knowledge workers who hold a Philippine passport and enter Malaysia without first obtaining a reference visa will no longer be required to present a Philippine Overseas Employment Administration certification upon applying at the Malaysian Immigration Department. Foreign workers should be aware of the above changes prior to traveling to Malaysia.