Mandatory Immigration E-Filing System Is Introduced

The Malaysian Immigration Department (MID) launched a new e-filing web portal on March 10 for the online submission of Employment Pass applications that will become mandatory for employers in phases based on industry sector throughout this year. Employers must register for the system before they can use it to file applications.

The MID has yet to announce all of the practical details of using the new system, including the full schedule of roll-out dates. Additional information is expected in the coming weeks.

At this stage, the new system will be used for Employment Pass applications submitted to the MID only, though the MID may require paper filings for some Employment Pass applications. Paper applications will still be required for Professional Visit Passes and for companies that hold Multimedia Super Corridor (MDeC) or Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) status.

What This Means for Employers

In the short-term, the new online filing system will create new administrative burdens for employers, who will have to register for the online portal. As usage of the new system increases, technical issues are also possible. In the long term, however, an online filing system could help MID processing become more efficient and reduce application wait times.

How Fragomen Can Assist

Fragomen can advise employers registering for the MID’s new online application portal. Employers should also contact their Fragomen representative to develop new case preparation procedures that take into account the e-filing system.

Fragomen worked closely with the law firm of Shearn Delamore & Co. (Kuala Lumpur) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].