Upcoming Closures for Immigration Systems due to Maintenance and Holidays
December 12, 2017

Executive Summary
Immigration authorities in West Malaysia recently announced their closure periods due to the scheduled maintenance of its MYXpats Centre and Expatriate Services Division online system. Affected companies should submit their applications as early as possible to ensure that approval and endorsement processes are completed prior to the closure period.
The following upcoming closures are expected in West Malaysia:
- MYXpats Centre โ which processes endorsements of Employment Pass and related passes โ will stop accepting documents from Wednesday, December 20, 2017.
- Original passports and other supporting documents submitted on or before December 19 will have endorsements completed by December 22, 2017.
- Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online system will cease operation from 6pm on December 26, 2017 until 8am on January 2, 2018.
- During this period, the ESD online system cannot be accessed and any online applications such as Employment Passes, Professional Visit Passes and ESD registration cannot be submitted.
Both MYXpats Centre and ESD online systems will resume operations on January 2, 2018.
This is in addition to the immigration office closures reported in an earlier alert.
Consequences for foreign nationals
Foreign nationals whose work pass applications have been approved with anticipated start dates between December 26, 2017 and January 8, 2018 must provide their original passports and other supporting documents to Fragomen by December 18, 2017 for timely filing of the endorsement application.
Applications not submitted to ESDโs online system by December 12, 2017 will be subject to delay, with the earliest results available January 2, 2018.
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].
.
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Ricaโs Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazilโs new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UKโs higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Ricaโs Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazilโs new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UKโs higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
