Iskandar Malaysia – A Welcome to Foreign Talent

In line with its ongoing transformation into a high-income economy, Malaysia has earmarked the southern Johor region of Iskandar Malaysia as a special economic zone. Geared towards providing investors and other stakeholders with a multitude of opportunities for investment and growth, the Iskandar Malaysia development covers an area of 2,217 square kilometres, which is three times the size of Singapore and is the single largest development project ever to be undertaken in the region.

 

Under Malaysia’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CPD) launched in 2006, Iskandar Malaysia is divided into five developmental focal points referred to as Flagship Zones. These include the development of, amongst others, a financial and central business district, a state administrative centre, a medical hub, an “education city”, a free trade zone as well as other commercial and residential developments. Each Flagship Zone is focused on developing Iskandar Malaysia into a place that seamlessly integrates living, entertainment and business to create a vibrant community.

 

 

Iskandar Malaysia already generates significant investment and economic activity and hence, there is increasing demand for human capital, particularly highly skilled foreign professionals. In recognition of this, the Malaysian government has made its immigration, security and other related processes for Iskandar Malaysia simpler to attract this pool of talent.

 

To streamline and consolidate immigration processes, the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) was established to act as a ‘one stop centre’ for processing expatriate applications within Iskandar Malaysia. In short, the IRDA promises a more efficient process for expatriate applications within Iskandar Malaysia, in contrast to the usual Malaysian expatriate immigration process.

 

 

Companies intending to bring talent into other areas of Malaysia are required to look to one of six approving authorities, each of which processes applications based on the principal nature of business of the local sponsoring company. For instance, the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the approving authority for companies in the manufacturing and services sector, whereas companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector look to the Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDeC).

 

It is important to note that expatriates seeking to work in Malaysia are issued with an Employment Pass on completion of a successful application, rather than a visa. An Employment Pass issued in one area of Malaysia does not automatically allow its holder to work in another area. For example, a pass issued in West Malaysia (including Iskandar Malaysia) does not automatically allow its holder to work in East Malaysia.

 

For more information, contact [email protected].