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Economic conditions

Malaysia Expedites Visa and Work Permit Process to Address Labour Shortage

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Malaysia is tackling its acute labour shortage by expediting the issuance of visas and work permits for foreign skilled workers, particularly in new growth sectors such as agriculture, bio-technology, and Information Communication Technology (ICT). To facilitate public dealings with the Immigration Department, two new Federal Territory branches will be set up in Cheras and Wangsa Maju, while special counters will be provided for professionals and businessmen at major city Immigration offices. The Brain Gain Malaysia programme has also been launched to attract Malaysian and international scientists abroad to collaborate on R&D technology clusters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Malaysian government has expedited the issuance of visas and work permits to address the shortage of skilled workers in key areas, particularly in new growth sectors such as agriculture, bio-technology, and ICT.
  • Two new Federal Territory branches of the Immigration Department will be set up in Cheras and Wangsa Maju, and special counters will be provided for professionals and businessmen at major city Immigration offices.
  • The Brain Gain Malaysia programme aims to attract Malaysian and international scientists abroad to collaborate on R&D technology clusters, including agriculture, bio-technology, and ICT.
  • Spouses of expatriates working in Malaysia will be allowed to work in Malaysia.
  • 33,400 expatriates are currently working in Malaysia.
  • Multiple entry visas (MEVs) will be given to all visitors from India and China for a one-year period, extended to West Asia's tourists.
  • New consulate offices will commence operations in Mumbai, in addition to existing offices in New Delhi and Chennai.
  • Visa on arrival will be granted to all foreign tourists (except for certain countries) for a stay of a month, effective immediately.
  • Existing e-Passport Replacement Kiosks will be expanded to Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Kajang, Johor Baharu, Ipoh, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak to reduce congestion at passport renewal application counters.

Statistics:

  • 33,400: The number of expatriates currently working in Malaysia.
  • One year: The duration of multiple entry visas (MEVs) granted to all visitors from India and China.
  • 30 days: The duration of visa on arrival for all foreign tourists (except for certain countries).
  • 8 locations: The number of additional e-Passport Replacement Kiosks to be established, including Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Kajang, Johor Baharu, Ipoh, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse (Sep 5)
  • BERNAMA-OANA (1255)

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