New Requirements Of The Professional Visit Pass Of Malaysia

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New Requirements Of The Professional Visit Pass Of Malaysia

Malaysia’s Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is designed for foreign nationals seeking to engage in short-term professional activities. It serves as a gateway for experts, volunteers, students, and other professionals who wish to contribute their skills and knowledge in Malaysia for a specific period. In this article, our friends at Pacific Prime CXA will explore this visa, and especially the new application requirements in effect starting August 16, 2024.

A Brief Introduction to Malaysia’s Professional Visit Pass

Valid for up to 12 months, the PVP allows holders to reside in Malaysia and engage in specific professional undertakings as outlined in their application. For those involved in training at factories or hotels, the pass is limited to 6 months.

This visa is beneficial for a diverse range of individuals, including experts in various fields, volunteers, students in exchange programs, foreign artists with PUSPAL approval, religious teachers, and professionals involved in specialized activities like machinery installation or flight simulator testing.

However, the PVP does not permit regular employment or bringing dependents to Malaysia.

The New Application Requirements Starting August 16, 2024

To streamline the PVP application process, the Malaysian Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has reduced the number of required documents from 13 to 6, effective August 16, 2024. Below are the documents needed under the new regulations:

1. Copy of Passport: Applicants must submit a copy of all passport pages, ensuring at least six empty pages for visa stamps and other entries.

2. Application Letter from Sponsor: A formal letter from the Malaysian sponsor outlining the purpose, duration, and details of the professional visit is mandatory.

3. Bonds:

Personal Bond: Required for all nationalities except Chinese and Bangladeshi applicants. It must be stamped by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia.
Security Bond: Specific to Chinese and Bangladeshi nationals, this may involve a bank guarantee.

4. Letter of Award/Contract: If applicable, this document should detail the scope and duration of the professional engagement.

5. Memorandum of Understanding: Required if the visit is part of a broader cooperation between organizations.

6. Supporting Documents: Depending on the visit’s nature, additional documents might be necessary, such as technical specifications for machinery installation or approval letters for mining activities.

The Application Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a PVP involves several steps and must be initiated by the Malaysian sponsor:

1. Sponsor Registration: The sponsor must register on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal if not already registered.

2. Online Application Submission: The sponsor submits the application through the ESD portal, uploading all required documents according to the new requirements.

3. Payment of Fees: A fee of MYR800 is applicable for each PVP application, along with potential additional immigration and licensing fees.

4. Application Processing: Typically processed within 14-21 working days, the timeline depends on the program specifics and application completeness.

5. Approval and Issuance: Upon approval, the PVP is issued, with a maximum duration of 12 months, extendable at the discretion of immigration authorities.

6. Entry to Malaysia: Applicants should only enter Malaysia after PVP approval to avoid complications.

Choose Pacific Prime CXA as Your Partner

Moving abroad can be thrilling yet daunting. It is prudent to add some certainty during this transition by securing appropriate insurance coverage.

With vast experience in the insurance field, Pacific Prime CXA is your reliable partner for international and expat health insurance among other types of coverage. They understand the intricacies of adjusting to new surroundings and can steer you in the right direction.

Reach out to them and begin your discussion today!

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.