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| SABAH
INVESTMENT INCENTIVES & POLICIES |
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Immigration |
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Function
of Immigration
Department of Malaysia
The Immigration Department carries out the normal
functions of regulating and overseeing the coming and going of people
of all nationalities, including Malaysians, into and out of the designated
immigration checkpoints in the country. The Department derives its
powers to do so from the Immigration Act 11959/63 and regulations
made thereunder. In addition the Department also administers the provisions
of the Passport Act, 1966.
Broadly speaking, the department functions as follows:
| 1. |
To
issue Passport or other travel documents to Malaysian citizens
and permanent residents. |
| 2. |
To
enforce all provisions of the Passport Act 1966, Immigration
Act 1959/63 and Immigration regulations 1963. |
| 3. |
To
issue Entry Permits to foreign nationals. |
| 4. |
To
issue Certificate of Status to whoever is qualified as a citizen.
|
| 5. |
To
regulate the entry and exit of persons through gazetted check
points. |
Time
Required for the Issuance of Various Immigration Document.
| Type
of Immigration Document |
New
|
Extension
|
| International
Passport |
7
days
|
1
day
|
| Restricted
Passport |
1
day
|
1
day
|
| Group
Travel Document in lieu of Passport |
7
days
|
-
|
| Restricted
Travel Document |
1
day
|
1
day
|
| Malaysia/Thailand
Border Pass |
1
day
|
-
|
| Malaysia/Indonesia
Border Crossing Pass |
1
day
|
-
|
| Certificate
of Identity |
14
days
|
2
day
|
| Restricted
Certificate of Identity |
1
day
|
1
day
|
| Emergency
Certificate |
1
day
|
1
day
|
| Visit
Pass - Temporary Employment |
1
month
|
1
month
|
| Visit
Pass - Professional |
1
month
|
1
month
|
| Visit
Pass - Social/Business |
-
|
1
day
|
| Visit
Pass - Foreign wife to Malaysia citizen |
1
month
|
1
day
|
| Employment
Pass |
3
months
|
3
months
|
| Dependant
Pass |
1
month
|
1
month
|
| Student
Pass |
7
day
|
7
days
|
| Re-entry
Visa |
1
day
|
-
|
| Re-entry
Permit |
2
days
|
-
|
|
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Policies
on Employment of Expatriate Personnel
All
institutions established and registered in Malaysia, especially business
entities which employ foreign workers are allowed to bring the required
personnel in areas where there is a shortage of trained Malaysian
to do the job, subject to certain conditions.
The
required expatriate personnel are allowed to hold two types of post:
Key
posts are allowed to be held indefinitely by expatriates to safeguard
their interest. The post may be filled by the investor himself or
any person appointed to represent the interest of the investor.
Such
posts are those for executive level requiring professional qualification
and practical experience and posts for non-executive level requiring
special technical skill and experience. However, these posts are to
be filled by suitably qualified Malaysians as soon as they become
available. It is the policy of the Malaysian Government to see that
Malaysians are trained and employed at all levels of employment. To
this end the Government has a policy which requires a local understudy
to be attached to each post held by an expatriate personnel. This
is to ensure a smooth transfer of technical know-how and experience
and to facilitate the eventual take-over of important posts by local
personnel. |
|
Conditions
for Entry to Malaysia
Visa Requirement
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter
Malaysia must first apply and obtain a Visa in advance at the Malaysia
Representative Office before entering the country.
Arrival/Departure Card
A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/
Department Card (IMM.26) upon arrival at the gazetted entry points.
This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative
Offices overseas or travel agencies. A visitor must present his/her
passport together with the duly completed arrival/departure card to
the Immigration Officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport
or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving
the Immigration counter.
Passport or Travel Documents
A person must possess a valid Passport or Travel
Document which is recognised by the Malaysian Government. Any person
not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is not recognised
by the Malaysian Government, must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport
(DSGP). Application for the DSGP can be made from any Malaysian Representative
Office overseas.
Holders of Travel Documents like Certificate of Identity, Laisser
Passer, Tertres de Voyage and a Country's Certificate of Permanent
Residence must ensure that their return to the country which issued
the Travel Document is guaranteed. Such document shall be valid NOT
more than six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia.
In Possession of Travel Ticket and Sufficient Funds
A visitor is also required to present proof of
his financial ability to finance his/her stay in Malaysia together
with a confirmed return ticket to other destinations. |
|
Permission
to Enter
Citizens and holders of documents as stated below
are required to obtain a Visa for entry into Malaysia for whatever
purpose and duration of stay:
Citizens of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India, North Korea, Myanmar,
Nepal, Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and
Vietnam.
Holder of document Laisser Passer, Certificate of Identity, United
States Re-Entry Permit and Tetres de Voyage.
Citizens from countries with Partial Visa Abolition Agreement with
the Government of Malaysia except Albania, Argentina and Turkmenistan,
will be required to obtain a Visa for social and business visit exceeding
a period of three (3) months.
For those who wish to enter Malaysia for purposes other than for Social
and Business Visit, a visa is required for any duration of stay (except
for the citizens of the United States who enter for the purpose of
studying).
Citizens of ASEAN countries from Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand
(except Singapore and Brunei citizens) have to obtain a Visa for the
purpose of social and business visits exceeding one (1) month. Those
who wish to enter Malaysia for other purposes, a Visa is required
for any duration of stay. However, Singapore and Brunei citizens do
not require a Visa for any purpose or duration of stay.
Citizens from West Asia countries are required to obtain a Visa for
entry into Malaysia for social and business visits exceeding three
(3) months. For those who wish to enter Malaysia for other purposes,
a Visa is required for any duration of stay.
Citizens from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria need to obtain
a Visa for social and business visits exceeding 14 days. For those
who wish to enter Malaysia for other purposes, a Visa is required
for any duration of stay.
Citizens from Eastern European countries, Baltic and Commonwealth
of Independent States (C.I.S) need to obtain a Visa for social and
business visit exceeding seven (7) days. For those who wish to enter
Malaysia for other purposes, a Visa is required for any duration of
stay.
Citizens not classified in the countries stated above need not obtain
a visa for a social and business visit not exceeding one (1) month.
A visa is required for those who wish to enter and stay more than
one (1) month on social and business visit and also for any other
purpose and length of stay.
Citizens from Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka) DO NOT REQUIRE a Visa. Countries under British protectorate
or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and countries with Total Visa
Abolition Agreement with the Government of Malaysia i.e. Switzerland,
Netherlands, San Marino, Liechtenstein do not require a Visa to enter
Malaysia for any purpose or duration of stay. |
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Main
Entry Points
Entry by Air
| State/Territory |
Name
of Airport
|
| Kuala
Lumpur |
Sultan
Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport,
Kuala
Lumpur International Airport, Sepang
|
| Federal
Territory |
Labuan
Airport |
| Sabah |
Kota
Kinabalu International Airport |
| Sarawak |
Kuching
International Airport |
| Penang |
Penang
International Airport, Bayan Lepas |
| Johor |
Sultan
Ismail Airport, Johor Bahru |
| Kedah |
Langkawi
International Airport |
Entry by Land
| State |
Entry
Points |
| Perlis |
Pedang
Besar
Wang Klian |
| Perak |
Pengkalan
Hulu |
| Kelantan |
Rantau
Panjang Pengkalan Kubor |
| Kedah |
Bukit
Kayu Hitam Changloon |
| Johor |
Johor
Bahru |
| Sarawak |
Biawak
Sarikei
Padawan
Tebedu
Bunan Gega
Batu Lintang
Lubok Antu
Bario
Merapok |
| Sabah |
Sindumin
Long Pasia
Pensiangan |
Entry by Sea
| State |
Entry
Point |
| Perlis |
Kuala
Perlis |
| Kedah |
Kuah,
Langkawi
Teluk Ewa, Langkawi
Kuala Kedah |
| Perak |
Lumut
Teluk Intan |
| Penang |
Penang
Butterworth |
| Selangor |
Port
Kelang |
| Melaka |
Pelabuhan
Melaka Tanjung Bruas |
| Terengganu |
Kuala
Terengganu
Kuala Dungun
Kemaman Port |
| Pahang |
Kuantan
Tioman Island |
| Negeri
Sembilan |
Port
Dickson |
| Johor |
Johor
Bahru
Tanjung Puteri
Pasir Gudang
Batu Pahat
Muar
Tanjung Belungkor
Tanjung Pengelih
Mersing
Kukup |
| Sarawak |
Kuching
Sibu
Marudi Baram
Bintulu
Limbang
Lawas
Sundar
Punang
Sarikei
Tanjung Mani
Banatang |
| Sabah |
Tawau
Semporna
Lahat Datu
Sandakan
Kudat
Kota Kinabalu
Kuala Sipitang
Menumbuk |
| Federal
Territory of Labuan |
Labuan |
|
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Type
of Passes
Visit Pass (Social)
A Visit Pass (Social) is issued for the purpose of touring or
visiting relatives.
Application for Visit Pass (Social) for a wife of a Malaysian citizen
must be made by the applicant's husband at the nearest Immigration
Office.
Application can be made either inside or outside the country. While
waiting for approval the applicant may enter the country on Visit
Pass (Social) as a visitor. Where visa is required application for
a reference visa must be made in advance to the nearest Malaysian
Mission/Embassy. Approval for this category of pass is on the year
to year basis and after the 5th. year the applicant may apply for
an Entry Permit to qualify as a Permanent Resident.
Application of Visit Pass (Social) for family members (wife/husband,
children and parents) of Student Pass holders must be submitted by
the respective individual before entering the country. Application
may be submitted to the nearest Malaysian Mission/Embassy together
with the Student Pass application. For countries that have no Malaysian
Mission/Embassy the applicant may enter Malaysia directly and obtain
a Visit Pass (Social) at the entry point. Application for Visit Pass
(Social) for family members of the student must be submitted to the
State Immigration office where the educational institution is located
within 1 (one) month from the date of entry.
Application of Visit Pass (Social) for spouse and children of a holder
of Visit Pass (Temporary Employment), skill/professional and holder
of Visit Pass (Professional) must be made through a local sponsor,
i.e. the employer of its authorised agent. Application may be made
at the nearest Immigration office either together with the application
for visit passes (Social/Professional) or after the approval of such
passes. Those with visa requirement, application for the visa must
be made in advance.
Visit Pass (Business)
A Visit Pass (Business) is issued to the following
categories of foreigners:
Owners of companies who intend to enter for the purpose of attending
the company meeting and seminar, inspecting the company's account
or to ensure the smooth running of the company.
Investors or businessmen who wish to enter for business exploratory
purposes.
Representatives of foreign companies for the purpose of introducing
their manufactured goods produced in Malaysia, but not for sale or
distribution.
Foreigners who own properties in Malaysia, such as plantation, land
and real estate who enter for purpose of selling, leasing or developing
their properties.
Foreign reporters from mass media agencies entering for the purpose
of covering conventions or any events in Malaysia. Foreigners issued
with Visit Pass (Business) are not allowed to take up employment in
Malaysia.
Employment Pass Employment
Passes may be issued to foreigners who have been
given permission to work in Malaysia for a minimum period of 2 years
or a maximum period of 5 years subject to renewal. However, an expatriate
post must be approved by either the Standing Committee on Malaysia
Nation in Commerce and Industry or Action Committee on Investment
(by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority), before a foreigner
can be issued with an employment pass.
Dependants of Employment Pass holder, if requested, could be issued
with Dependant Pass which allow them to stay with Employment Pass
holder with validity not exceeding the validity of the Employment
Pass.
Visit Pass - Temporary Employment
Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) may be issued to foreigners who
wish to work in Malaysia for a period of not more than 2 years. The
foreigners should fall under the category of semi-skilled or unskilled
worker.
Based on merit, this pass may also be issued to any expatriate whose
services are urgently required even before the designated post are
approved by the relevant authority.
Application must be submitted by either the employer or by a private
employment agency registered with the Immigration Department to the
nearest State Immigration Office.
Application must be made while the worker is outside the country.
The worker is only allowed to enter when the pass is approved.
Those who require a visa must apply at the nearest Malaysian Representative/Embassy
before entry.
Visit Pass - Professional
Visit Pass (Professional) may be issued to foreigners who enter Malaysia
to perform specific task for a specific period of time without filling
any former post.
Visit Pass (Professional) may be issued to foreigners who intend to
undertake work under the following circumstances:
Giving advice to Government/other institution on certain topics or
issues.
Assisting sponsors/employers/buyers to install machines and/or train/demonstrate
on the operation and maintenance of the newly installed machines.
Conducting research or studies on certain areas, topics or issues.
Serving voluntary organisations/ Speaking / lecturing at seminars
and/or courses. Applications for Visit Passes (Professional) for visitors
that fall within this category must be made through a local sponsor
at least 14 days prior to their entry into the country.
Application must be made at the Immigration Headquarters or the Sabah
or Sarawak Immigration Office.
Those with visa requirement must apply for the visa at the nearest
Malaysian Mission/Embassy. |
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Dependant
Pass
Application must be made through the employer
or its authorised agent, or by the Employment Pass holder.
This pass may be applied together with the application for the Employment
Pass or after the Employment Pass is approved.
Exemption Pass
pplication must be made by the individual concerned
or representative at the Immigration Headquarters before or after
entry into Malaysia.
Application must be accompanied by a letter from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Malaysia, a letter from the Ministry of Defence Malaysia (for
army personnel) and a letter from the applicant's Embassy.
Student Pass
Application for Student Pass must be made by the
student at the nearest Malaysian Representative/Embassy.
Where there is no Malaysian Representative/Embassy, the student may
enter Malaysia directly and obtain a Visit Pass (Social) at the entry
points.
The student must submit his/her application to the Immigration Office
where the educational institution is located within 1 month from the
date of entry.
Pass for Japanese-European Silver-Haired Programme Application for
Visit Pass (Social) for pensioners from Japan and Europe must be submitted
to the Immigration Headquarters through a local sponsor at least 3
months prior to their entry into the country. Where a visa is required
application for such visa must be submitted to the nearest Malaysian
Mission/Embassy. |
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Malaysian
Immigration Attache Offices
IMMIGRATION ATTACHE OFFICE OF MALAYSIA (HONG
KONG)
High Commissioner's Office of Malaysia
24th floor, Malaysia Building 47-50,
Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel : 007-852-5-270921
IMMIGRATION ATTACHE OFFICE OF MALAYSIA (INDIA )
Deputy High Commissioner's Office of Malaysia
No. 6, Sriram Nagar, North Street Alwarpet,
Madras, India
TEL : 007-91-44-4343048
IMMIGRATION ATTACHE OFFICE OF MALAYSIA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA)
Embassy Office of Malaysia 13 Dongzhimenwai Dajie,
Sanlitun, Chao Yang District, Beijing, China
TEL : 007-861-5326544
Fax : 007-861-5325032
Ramada Pear Hotel 9,
Ming Yue Yi Road Guangzhou
510600, Guangdong, China
TEL : 007-8620-7772988
Fax : 007-8620-7395669
IMMIGRATION ATTACHE OFFICE OF MALAYSIA (SINGAPORE)
High Commissioner's Office of Malaysia
301 Jervois Road, Singapore 1024
TEL : 02-2350111
IMMIGRATION ATTACHE OFFICE OF MALAYSIA (TAIWAN)
Malaysia Freindship and Trade Centre 2nd floor,
San Ho Plastic Building, 102 Tun Hwa North Road,
Taipeh, Taiwan
TEL : 007-886-2-7167075
FAX : 007-886-2-7167490
IMMIGRATION ATTACHE OFFICE OF MALAYSIA (UNITED KINGDOM)
High Commissioner's Office of Malaysia 45,
Belgrave Square London S.W.T 8QT,
United Kingdom
TEL : 007-4471-2358033
FAX : 007-447-12355-161 |
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