Malaysia Increases Visa Fees for Foreign Workers by 150%, Effective September 2024
Malaysia has implemented a significant increase in visa fees for foreign workers, with charges rising by 150%.
Malaysia has implemented a significant increase in visa fees for foreign workers, with charges rising by 150%. This fee hike, effective from September 1, 2024, impacts several visa categories, including the Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and Long-Term Social Visit Pass. The change will primarily affect expatriates and their dependents working in the country.
New Visa Fees for Employment Passes
The Employment Pass, which allows expatriates to work in Malaysia, has seen a notable increase in fees:
New fee: MYR 2,000 (₹38,727)
Previous fee: MYR 800 (₹15,490)
Employment Pass categories are divided as follows:
Category I: For expatriates with a monthly salary of RM 10,000 (₹1,92,853) or more, with a contract of up to five years. This pass allows dependents and foreign domestic helpers.
Category II: For those earning between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999 per month, issued for up to two years, with provisions for dependents.
Category III: For employees earning between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999 per month, valid for 12 months with the possibility of renewal twice, but without the option for dependents.
Fee Increases for Other Visa Categories
Other visa categories have also experienced fee hikes:
Dependent Pass:
New fee: MYR 500 (₹9,681)
Previous fee: MYR 450 (₹8,713)
Professional Visit Pass:
New fee: MYR 1,200 (₹23,235)
Previous fee: MYR 800 (₹15,490)
Long-Term Social Visit Pass (for foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens):
New fee: MYR 500 (₹9,681)
Previous fee: MYR 450 (₹8,713)
Impact on Indian Workers in Malaysia
According to the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the fee hike will affect around 150,000 Indian workers in Malaysia, including approximately 10,000 expatriates employed in sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and banking.
Improved Processing Times
In addition to the fee increases, Malaysia's Immigration Department has reduced visa processing times for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Critical Sector companies. Applications will now be processed within three working days, down from the previous five.This move aims to streamline the visa process while addressing the growing demand for skilled foreign workers in Malaysia.
