Effective August 16, 2024, the documentation requirements for applying for a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia have been significantly reduced. The revised list of required documents now includes only passport, application letter, personal bond, security bond, letter of award/contract, and other supporting documents that demonstrate the planned activities in Malaysia.

Although the number of documents has been reduced, authorities may place increased emphasis on the content of the application letter, which should comprehensively detail the assignment’s purpose, work schedule, and duration. Please note that the authorities may request additional documents at any stage of the application process.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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As of July 29, 2024, the ESD Satellite Centre (ESC) facility at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA 2) is accepting pass endorsement procedures. Previously, this service was only available at KLIA 1. With this new update, foreign national employees and their dependents traveling from overseas can complete the pass endorsement process upon arrival at KLIA 2.

In an earlier update, we reported that the pass endorsement service at KLIA 1 was temporarily unavailable. The service has since resumed and is now available at both Terminals 1 and 2.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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Update: August 5, 2024

The pass endorsement service at KLIA Terminal 1 has resumed operations.

Original article: July 23, 2024

At the time of writing, the pass endorsement service at the ESC counter, KLIA Terminal 1 office is temporarily unavailable due to shortage of pass stickers.

We understand that the Immigration Department is unable to provide an immediate timeline for the replenishing of pass stickers. Having said that, the recommendation is to utilize alternative methods for pass endorsement, such as delivery through Pos Malaysia or collection at the MDEC office.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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Effective August 2, 2024, Malaysian Immigration Authorities require all applications for Transfer Endorsement (TE), Take Up Balance of approval duration (TUB), Shortening of Pass, Cancellation of Pass, Permission to Study, and Permission to Work at Second Location to be submitted online through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal.

The shift to the online system aims to streamline the current manual processes. It is estimated that these transactions will take about 3 working days from submission, with pass delivery taking approximately 3-5 working days.

Companies are encouraged to prepare accordingly. Like with any new system rollout, it is normal to experience initial challenges, particularly involving extended processing times.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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From June 4, 2024, MDEC-registered companies applying for Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) projection will now receive immediate approval. Previously, companies were experiencing lengthy processing periods as part of these applications. Although companies are still required to furnish information regarding headcount, FKW details, and justification, the requirement to upload supporting documents has been waived.

Any applications lodged prior to June 4, 2024 that are still awaiting outcome must be resubmitted, as they will no longer be processed under the new streamlined system.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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In an effort to streamline work and student permit processes, the Swedish Migration Agency has introduced a pilot scheme to allow nationals from 23 countries to complete the passport verification requirement using an application on their mobile phone or computer instead of attending in person to a Swedish Embassy or Consulate. Eligible applicants include nationals from Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, Ukraine, and the USA.

It is anticipated that eligible applicants will receive an email from the Swedish Migration Agency within a few days of submission of the work or student permit application. The email will contain a link to the online service to complete the verification process online.

The introduction of the online verification will hopefully allow faster processing of applications and will be more cost effective to applicants. However, with many new online services, there may be some potential issues during the initial implementation phase.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an enquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case or company-specific assessments.

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Update, May 8, 2024: China has extended the visa-free policy for short-term visits to China for 12 countries until December 31, 2025. The extension is “to promote exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals”, and applies to citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Citizens of these countries with ordinary passports will be allowed to enter and stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

Update, March 7, 2024: The government of China is extending limited visa-free travel to an additional six European countries. As of Thursday, 14 March, passport holders from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg will also be allowed to visit China for business, tourism, or to visit family, for up to 15 days without a visa. The waiver for these six countries will remain in effect until 30 November 2024.

For visits of longer than 15 days, or for reasons other than those cited above, visitors will still need to apply for the appropriate visa from the Chinese government.

Late last year, China launched visa-free travel for up to 15 days for passport holders from six countries – please see our original post below for additional information.

Original Post, November 27, 2023: China is granting a visa-waiver to citizens of six countries, allowing them to visit China for periods up to 15 days for Business, Tourism, Family Visit, and Transit purposes. The waiver applies to citizens/passport holders from the following countries.

• Germany​
• The Netherlands​
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Malaysia​

China already allows short-term visa-free travel from some Asian nations, including Singapore.

The waiver is being introduced on a temporary basis and is expected to be in place for at least the next year. The waiver goes into effect for passport holders from the six countries on 01 December. It allows entry through any port-of-entry in Mainland China. People traveling on the visa-waiver are limited to a single entry/exit; multiple entries are not permitted. The traveler must exit China by midnight of the 14th day of their visit.

The policy may be revoked by the Chinese government at any time. It comes as China continues to try to build back international tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic. While China has seen domestic travel now exceed pre-pandemic levels, international travel to China is still lagging. ​

Immigration Insights​

Although the policy has been formally announced, a number of questions remain. It is unclear if existing visas for travel from these countries for periods under 15 days will still remain valid. China is indicating travelers will not be able to apply for visas “just in case” as a backup, if they qualify for the waiver. It is also unclear if airlines and cruise lines have been informed of the policy change, and if attempting to travel visa-free will cause issue with air carriers and cruise lines.

We will continue to monitor this developing situation and continue to provide updates about its implementation.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
​

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The government of Malaysia has advised that, from April 24, 2024, all new and renewal applications for the Employment Pass (EP) are required to be made through the Xpats Gateway system using the company’s existing Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Expats System login credentials. The Xpats Gateway, previously launched for non-IT sectors, is now also open to IT sectors following the announcement on April 20, 2024.

The process may mirror the existing procedure for ESD-registered companies and official confirmation from the authorities remains pending. Newland Chase will monitor this and will update the information above as needed.  

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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On March 31, 2024, Japan launched a new residence status called “Digital Nomad Visa”. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals to remain in Japan for up to six months in a 12-month period and work remotely for their overseas employer. Digital Nomad Visa holders are permitted to carry out the provision of paid services or selling of goods to overseas clients and are geared towards professions such as software developers, digital designers, virtual assistants, or sole proprietors of foreign companies.

How do applicants qualify for this visa?

• Applicants must be a national of a visa-exempt country and a country with a bilateral tax treaty with Japan. 
• Applicants must be employed by and remunerated by their employers overseas. 
• Applicants must have a minimum annual income of at least JPY 10 million (approx. USD 68,300) or more at the time of application 
• Applicants must hold an insurance policy that covers death, injury, and illness during their stay in Japan. Coverage of 10 million yen or more for the costs of treatment for injuries and illnesses must be in place.

A Digital Nomad Visa-holder can bring a legally married spouse and children with legal parentage to Japan, provided they also meet eligibility criteria. The Digital Nomad Visa will come under the “designated activities” visa category. Refer to the table below for the list of eligible nationalities.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

Nationalities Eligible for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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In the ever-evolving landscape of global mobility and immigration, the year 2024 stands as a pivotal moment for significant transformations and technological advancements. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest shifts and innovations in the field, ranging from the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) to the increasing digitization of visa processes, the strategic pursuit of global talent, and the crucial balancing act between immigration compliance and enforcement.

As nations strive to attract highly skilled professionals while ensuring robust border security, let’s explore the intricate dynamics and forward-thinking strategies that are shaping the future of global immigration and mobility.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system for registering travellers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, all while fully respecting fundamental rights and data protection.

The introduction of this system will ensure that travelling to European countries is more efficient and removes the need for passport stamping and border control procedures on arrival as registration will be done at the external border. The EES will also make it easier for immigration officials to identify any traveller who has overstayed in EU countries or confirm if an individual has no right to enter.

Whilst the exact date that the EES becomes operational is still to be confirmed it is expected to be in place in or around October 2024.

Digitisation Persists

Throughout 2024, we expect to see an increase in countries continuing to leverage advanced online filing systems to simplify immigration procedures. Governments have continued to phase out mandatory requirements to submit hard copy applications, with the widespread adoption of electronic visas expected to become more standard practice.

For example, the Australian Government are looking to implement changes that will improve the migration system’s efficiency. Their plans include streamlining visa application routes and enhancing overall user-friendliness within the immigration system.

Countries such as Kenya have recently implemented digital pre-travel security checks for visa-waiver nationals through electronic travel authorization systems. This will eliminate the requirement to obtain a visitor visa for Kenya. The UK are also preparing to introduce the ETA in 2024 and final preparations will be made for the implementation of ETIAS in EU/Schengen which has a revised start date to begin in 2025.

Global Talent Dynamics

The competition for global talent will remain as organizations seek specialized skills. Countries will prioritize attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals to drive economic growth. In December 2023, Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment announced an increased eligibility for employment permits for non-EEA nationals adding 11 roles to the Critical Skills Occupation List and made an additional 32 roles eligible for a General Employment Permit.

The recent update to the EU Blue Card is another example that demonstrates greater facilitation of the movement of foreign nationals, specifically within the EU. Once the EU Blue Card holder has completed 12 months employment in the first member state (which was previously required to be 18 months) they may then be eligible to enter, reside, and subsequently work in a second member state within 30 days of filing a simplified new EU Blue Card application. Time spent on the EU Blue Card in the first Member State will count towards the legal residency requirement for obtaining EU Long Term Residency status in the second member state.

Furthermore, remote work visa options and digital nomad visas continue to be considered by an increasing number of countries as a means to attract foreign workers and accommodate the rise in flexible work arrangements. South Korea have recently begun a pilot operation of the digital nomad visa which began on January 01, 2024. This visa allows foreign nationals to work remotely while being able to avail of an extended stay in South Korea. The foreign national must be employed outside of South Korea.

Another emerging trend is that of governments choosing to extend visa-waiver options to nationals of additional countries. From March 2024, Thailand and China will permanently waive visa requirements for each other’s citizens. Additionally, China is granting a visa waiver to nationals of six countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Malaysia and the Netherlands), who will be able to visit China for up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes.

Despite all the above-mentioned measures being introduced to lure foreign talent, protectionist measures will persist due to ongoing economic challenges. Governments will need to navigate a delicate balance between global talent acquisition and safeguarding jobs for local workers. Hungary is introducing changes to existing immigration rules, with an aim to tighten their immigration regulations.  In the second half of 2024, elections will take place in the United Kingdom and United States and the outcome of these will determine immigration policies in both countries.

Immigration Compliance and Enforcement

Governments will intensify efforts to enforce immigration compliance by way of visa inspections and increased scrutiny of purpose of travel at borders.

For example, we have recently observed German immigration authorities requesting temporary reinstatement of internal Schengen borders.  We also anticipate an increase in inspections to verify posted worker compliance in EU and EEA countries as well as more focus on the social security aspect of compliance (A1 form).

Countries including the US, Canada, and South Africa continue to grapple with huge application backlogs, largely rooted in the COVID-19 pandemic. These backlogs leave foreign nationals in a state of limbo for extended periods and lead to some seeking more efficient administration and security elsewhere, which is problematic, particularly in the case of highly skilled migrants. The United States Department of Homeland Security plans to make changes in 2024 to the process for adjustment of status to permanent residence. This change is anticipated to reduce processing times and promote the efficient use of immediately available immigrant visas

Preparing for the Next Global Challenge

Finally, companies increasingly find themselves operating in challenging locations and subject to adapting to the latest “polycrisis”. Emergency situations and the need for crisis management are becoming increasingly common and require complex strategic solutions. The need for urgent international travel—either in to or out of locations—can result from many types of emergencies: from natural disaster to pandemic; from political upheaval to military conflict.

We also anticipate growth and high volumes of movement in the Middle East and particularly Saudi Arabia. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have introduced a tourist eVisa, which allows foreign nationals to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family and relatives visits, or leisure activities. It is also anticipated that Saudi Arabia will introduce an eVisa for business travel. With Saudi Arabia being the sole bidder for the FIFA World Cup in 2034, we expect that this will create a significant increase in job opportunities for companies seeking to hire foreign talent.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case or company-specific assessments. 

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