2024-08-28-KPMG_Global-Malaysia_–_Further_Improvements_and_Enhancements_to_Immigration_Processes_4页_254kb

Summary of Malaysia – Further Improvements and Enhancements to Immigration Processes

Core Content

The Immigration Department of Malaysia, through its Expatriate Service Division (ESD), has introduced significant improvements and enhancements to its immigration processes, with a focus on digitalisation and streamlining. These changes aim to simplify application procedures, improve convenience, and increase the efficiency of handling expatriate-related immigration matters.

Main Points

• Digital Transformation: The ESD has fully deployed its online application system, effective from 15 August 2024. Manual applications over the counter are no longer accepted.
• Simplified Process for Professional Visit Pass: The number of required documents for the Professional Visit Pass has been reduced by up to seven. Key documents no longer needed include:
  • Offer letter from the receiving company in Malaysia
  • Acceptance letter from the employer in the home country
  • Job description of the assignment
  • Work schedule during the assignment in Malaysia
  • Applicant's academic certificate and resume
  • Bank guarantee (for Chinese and Bangladeshi nationals)
• Online Company Activation and LOU Amendment: Companies can now activate their ESD accounts and amend the Letter of Undertaking (LOU) online, starting from 20 August 2024. This eliminates the need for the company's director to visit the ESD office in person to sign the LOU.

Key Information

• Benefits of Digitalisation:
  • 24/7 access to application processes
  • Greater flexibility for companies
  • Reduction in limitations affecting working hours
  • Enhanced reputation as a business-friendly country
• Expected Impact:
  • Improved efficiency in processing applications
  • Reduced time for documentation preparation and submission
  • Positive effect on economic growth
• Potential Challenges:
  • Initial delays or setbacks due to the new digital system
  • All details must still be provided in the template letter or online form, even though the number of documents has been reduced

Compliance and Requirements

Despite the streamlining of processes, companies must still ensure compliance with all regulations, including:

• Maintaining updated company details in the ESD's online system
• Renewing relevant business licenses on time
• Obtaining prior approvals from the Department of Labour
• Ensuring proper documentation for all application types

KPMG Insights

KPMG highlights that these changes are a step forward in digital transformation, offering greater convenience and flexibility. However, they also caution that companies must remain vigilant in meeting all legal and procedural requirements to maintain compliance.

Contact Information

For further assistance, contact the following professionals at KPMG in Malaysia:

• Long Yen Ping
  Executive Director, Global Mobility Services
  Tel. +60 (3) 77217018
  Email: yenpinglong@kpmg.com.my

• Michelle Foo
  Associate Director, Global Mobility Services
  Tel. +60 (3) 77217346
  Email: lyeyeeefoo@kpmg.com.my

• Nur Aliaatul Shahira
  Manager, Global Mobility Services
  Tel. +60 (3) 7721 7613
  Email: aliaaatunaguib@kpmg.com.my

Note: The KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist with U.S. immigration matters.

Additional Resources

• Guidebook V5: ESD Online Guidebook V5 2024

Disclaimer

The information in this summary is of a general nature and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. It is recommended to seek appropriate professional advice before taking any action.