Malaysia: MDEC and ESD Reinstate i-KAD Card Issuance

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has started issuing i-KAD cards for all Employment Pass (EP) holders, after issuance was halted in 2017. i-KAD card will only be issued for applications for which the endorsement payment was made on or after October 16, 2023 and upon completion of a Transfer of Endorsement application. Applicants can collect their i-KAD card at the MDEC eXpats Centre upon the completion of the endorsement process or for endorsements completed via the Expatriate Services Division Satellite Centre (ESC), at the ESC upon arrival in Malaysia. Those with EPs for which endorsement payments were made before October 16, 2023 are not eligible for an i-KAD card and can instead obtain one when they renew their passes or apply for a Transfer of Endorsement.

The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of Malaysia has started issuing i-KAD cards for holders of EPs, Resident Passes under the Talent category and dependents of Resident Pass holders under the Talent category. i-KAD cards will only be issued for applications for which the endorsement payment was made on or before October 24, 2023 and upon completion of a Transfer of Endorsement application. The i-KAD card will be delivered to the foreign national’s sponsoring company’s registered address if the endorsement is completed via Delivery of Pass, or the applicant can obtain it at the ESC upon arrival in Malaysia upon completion of the endorsement process. Applicants whose endorsement payments were made before October 24, 2023 are not eligible to obtain an i-KAD card and can instead obtain one when they renew their passes or apply for a Transfer of Endorsement.

The i-KAD card serves as an alternative official identification document to a valid passport, exclusively in West (Peninsular) Malaysia. Foreign nationals should still carry their original passports at all times in case authorities request it.