Malaysia is implementing significant changes to its visa filing fees for expatriates and their dependents, with the new rates having come into effect from 1 September 2024, reports the Times of India. The adjustments, announced by the MYXpats Centre, a division of the Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division, will impact several key visa categories, including the Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and Long-Term Social Visit Pass.

The filing fee for the Employment Pass, which permits expatriates to work in Malaysia, saw the most substantial increase. The Employment Pass allows expatriates to work with Malaysian organisations under a contract of up to 60 months. Additionally, Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependent Passes for family members, including spouses and children under 18. The Dependent Pass fee also saw an increase.

In addition to the fee changes, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has announced a reduction in the application processing time for certain companies. The processing time for Tier 1, Tier 2, and critical sector companies will be reduced from five working days to just three. This move aims to streamline the application process for expatriates and ensure quicker decisions, which is expected to benefit both expatriates and the companies that rely on foreign talent.

The increase in visa fees may have implications for expatriates and their employers, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on foreign expertise. However, the reduction in processing times could help mitigate some of the impacts by allowing faster approvals and less downtime for businesses waiting for their expatriate staff to receive the necessary permits.