Important Updates
Important Updates
February 19, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: March 2026 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 Dates for Filing For All Countries Except China Jump Ahead; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing
February 19, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Updates to Express Entry Category-Based Selection for 2026
February 19, 2026 | BelgiumGlobal Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
February 19, 2026 | United KingdomSpear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole
February 19, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: March 2026 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 Dates for Filing For All Countries Except China Jump Ahead; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing
February 19, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Updates to Express Entry Category-Based Selection for 2026
February 19, 2026 | BelgiumGlobal Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
February 19, 2026 | United KingdomSpear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole
February 19, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: March 2026 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 Dates for Filing For All Countries Except China Jump Ahead; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation to Enhance eXpats System

October 27, 2017

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • MalaysiaMalaysia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Executive Summary

On November 15, 2017, the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation will launch an enhanced eXpats online system for MSC-Malaysia Status and Information Communication Technology Sector companies. The system will have faster processing times and improve overall user experience.


The situation

Enhancement of current eXpats system

A closer look

Effective November 15, 2017, the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will launch an enhanced eXpats online system that will apply to both MSC Malaysia Status and Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector companies. Features of the new system include:

  • New processes and timelines. MDEC and the Immigration Department will approve applications for Employment Passes and other related passes within seven business days from the date a complete application is submitted and will endorse Passes within two business days from submission of original passports. This will result in faster processing times for Employment Pass and related pass applications as the approval process currently takes three to five business days, and the endorsement takes 14 to 21 business days.
  • Expansion of services. MDEC will be processing applications for endorsement for ICT sector companies, which are currently processed by the Immigration Department directly.
  • New payment process.  All MDEC charges and immigration fees will be required to be paid electronically. Bank draft, banker’s cheques and cashier’s orders will no longer be accepted.
  • New MDEC charges. New MDEC charges, as below, will go into effect on November 15, 2017.

 

Services

(New and Renewal)

Total Payable (inclusive 6% GST) for MSC Malaysia Status Companies

Total Payable (inclusive 6% GST) for ICT Sector Companies

Employment Pass (EP)

(inclusive of Transfer of Endorsement (TOE) and Cancellation of Passes)

Duration: up to three years

RM 2,120.00

RM 2,968.00

Dependant Pass (DP) and Social Visit Pass

RM 530.00

RM 530.00

Amendment of Approval Letter

RM 106.00

RM 106.00

 

Transition period guidelines

MSC Malaysia status and ICT sector companies should follow the below guidelines for applications during the transition period to the new system:Transition period guidelines

  • Stage 1 - Approval stage:
    • New and on-hold applications. The submission deadline for Stage 1 via the current system is before midnight on November 10, 2017 to obtain a decision before November 15, 2017. If an application is on hold, all outstanding documentation must be submitted by the same deadline or the application will be cancelled. Any applications not filed prior to November 10, 2017 must be resubmitted via the new eXpats systems.
    • Incomplete applications. Incomplete applications received on November 10, 2017 will automatically be cancelled.
    • Validity of approvals. Stage 1 approval letters issued via the current eXpats system will only be valid until December 29, 2017.
    • Fragomen will work with employers and employees to submit Stage 1 applications prior to November 10, 2017, where possible.
  • Stage 2 - Endorsement stage
    • Current system submission deadline. Stage 2 applications must be submitted no later than December 29, 2017 for applications approved before November 15, 2017.
    • Submission after deadline. Any application not submitted for endorsement by December 29, 2017 will be cancelled automatically, and a new application must be submitted via the new eXpats system beginning January 2, 2018.
  • Current system accessibility. MDEC will perform data migration activity from November 11 through November 14, 2017, during which time eXpats system will not be accessible. The system will reopen on November 15, 2017.

 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].   

Country / Territory

  • MalaysiaMalaysia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration Lawyers

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalLearn more

Media mentions

Buffalo Toronto Public Media: IRCC faces processing hurdles as FIFA World Cup draws near

Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Blog post

Time to Act: Three Key Questions for Employers Ahead of March 1 Remuneration Increases for Employment Permits in Ireland

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland. 

Learn more

Video

Global Entry | #MobilityMinute

Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.

Learn more

Video

London Fashion Week 2026

Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.

Learn more

Advisory services

The EU Blue Card Recast Through the Employer Lens

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for Aspirants

Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration Lawyers

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalLearn more

Media mentions

Buffalo Toronto Public Media: IRCC faces processing hurdles as FIFA World Cup draws near

Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Blog post

Time to Act: Three Key Questions for Employers Ahead of March 1 Remuneration Increases for Employment Permits in Ireland

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland. 

Learn more

Video

Global Entry | #MobilityMinute

Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.

Learn more

Video

London Fashion Week 2026

Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.

Learn more

Advisory services

The EU Blue Card Recast Through the Employer Lens

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for Aspirants

Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.