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Updates for Malaysia

April 6, 2011— Due to recent increases of fraudulent cases at the Malaysian Immigration Department (MYID), a new checklist was issued for all Employment Pass (EP) applications effective mid-March 2011. The additional supporting documents required include:

1.       Tenancy Agreement / Sales & Purchase Agreement
2.       Telephone bill for official landline for company
3.       Receipt of the purchase of the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) report
4.       Letter of Undertaking – additional two copies for EP Stage 2 (DP11)

These changes were implemented over a very short span of time and it is possible that more changes may occur as the MYID attempts to curb fraud.

A new Residence Pass (RP) was also introduced by the government, effective April 1, 2011, with the objective to entice highly skilled professionals to remain in Malaysia. The current category available would be for existing EP holders for selected industries who would like to convert their pass to the RP. The benefits of an RP include:

a.       RP approvals are granted on a 5 + 5 years basis
b.       RP main holder can change employer without having to transfer the EP
c.       RP main holder’s spouse will also qualify to be an RP holder with equivalent benefits, i.e.    can work
d.       Children below 18 years of age will qualify to have an RP

Among the requirements for the RP (main applicant) would include:

a.       Minimum of five years working experience
b.       Minimum of three years working experience in Malaysia – consecutive
c.       Minimum annual gross salary of RM144,000
d.       Must have a Malaysian sponsor

Additionally, there have been a few immigration audits carried out over the past week in different locations of Peninsular Malaysia. These audits may or may not occur with prior notification. The MYID officers can scrutinize all expatriates on site and have the right to request HR documents for verification purposes. Ensure that all foreign professionals in the company have the correct permit on site at all times to avoid any violation of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963 and/or Employment (Restrictions) Act 1968.

Malaysia has also agreed to grant Taiwan passport holders a maximum 15-day (no extension) visa free entry. To note, this will be for business and tourism purposes only. The major entry points by flight provide this facility.

About AIReS

AIReS, which was named to the 2010 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing independently owned businesses in the U.S., is in its 30th year of providing best-in-class relocation management services. With seven ISO registered U.S. offices and other strategically located employees located around the globe, AIReS is a recognized industry leader in delivering high quality relocation and assignment management services to leading corporations. The company boasts some of the industry’s highest annual customer-satisfaction scores and a client-retention rate of over 98%. For more information, please visit the AIReS website at www.aires.com.