The Malaysian government announced the implementation of new online applications within the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online system for certain services.

Key Points:

• The new process within the ESD online system aims for applicants to have no physical submission via MYXpats or an immigration counter for the following application types:
  • Amendment of an approved application
  • Shorten of pass
  • Cancellation of application
  • Transfer of endorsement/take-up balance
  • Permission to study
  • Permission to work at a second location
• The ESD system currently only requires companies to file certain applications through the online filing system, including dependent, employment, professional visit and long-term social visit passes.
• The processing time for these online applications is estimated at three working days after submission and then an additional 24 hours for online payment processing and five days for postal delivery. This time frame is down from the previous 3-5 business day processing time via in-person filing at MYXpats or immigration counters.

Additional Information: Officials also recently announced a revised fee structure that will take effect Sept. 1 for applications such as an employment pass, professional visit pass and dependent passes. Recently, the government has also implemented new measures to standardize existing procedures and consolidate online filing platforms. As BAL previously reported, Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation-registered companies are now required to use the Xpats Gateway online portal to file initial and renewal employment pass applications online.

BAL Analysis: The Malaysian government is expanding its online systems and is expected to require additional immigration-related applications to be filed online going forward. The expansion is designed to allow companies to submit more applications electronically for convenience and to improve processing times for applicants.