Malaysia Visa & Policy Updates
Malaysia is raising the Category I Employment Pass salary floor to RM20,000 on June 1, 2026, while limiting most foreign work tenures to 10 years. Recent updates include a shortened 14-day appeal window for rejected passes, mandatory digital filing via the MIDA Expatriate System, and restricted multiple-entry visas for only 31 nationalities. Travelers must also adhere to stricter 30-day endorsement deadlines and updated visa-free stay limits.
Malaysia limits multiple-entry visas to 31 nationalities and ends them for leisure trips
Effective Sept. 1, Malaysia restricted multiple-entry visas to citizens of 31 approved countries and removed general tourism from eligible travel purposes. Travelers can now only obtain multiple-entry visas for business, medical, wedding, or cruise-related activities. Nomads and frequent visitors must now rely on single-entry tourist visas or specialized long-term passes.
Malaysia activates automated photo screening for Employment Pass on Aug. 21
Malaysia's Expatriate Services Division has upgraded photo-verification requirements for Visa With Reference and Electronic Visa Approval Letter applications submitted via ESD Online. Foreign professionals and expatriates must ensure submitted digital photos meet stricter biometric criteria to avoid application rejections or processing delays.
Malaysia refreshes entry rules for 90-day visa-free stays
The Malaysian Immigration Department has released an updated master list of visa requirements, exemptions, and health certificate mandates by nationality. These rules clarify entry durations and stay conditions for foreign tourists, digital nomads, and expats planning to enter the country.
Malaysia mandates MES for all manufacturing Employment Pass filings June 1
The MIDA Expatriate System (MES) is now the mandatory single digital platform for all new and renewal expatriate applications within the manufacturing and selected services sectors. This shift aims to streamline the Employment Pass process by centralizing submissions through a single online portal.
RM20,000 monthly floor set for Malaysia Employment Pass holders June 1
The Expatriate Services Division confirmed that new salary thresholds and sponsorship conditions for employment-based residence will take effect in mid-2026. These changes will impact eligibility for foreign professionals and expats seeking to maintain or apply for work-based residency in Malaysia.
Canada opens $7 CAD eTA to Malaysian air travelers with US or Canadian visas
Eligible Malaysian passport holders can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) instead of a full visitor visa when flying to Canada. This change simplifies the application process and reduces paperwork for Malaysian nomads and expats planning outbound travel.
Malaysia cuts Employment Pass appeal window from 6 months to 14 days
Expats and digital nomads facing rejection for Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass applications must now act faster. The window to file an appeal has been slashed from six months to just 14 days, requiring immediate legal or administrative response.
Malaysia extends PRM 2.0 amnesty for undocumented migrants through May 31, 2027
Malaysia has extended its Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, allowing undocumented foreigners to leave the country voluntarily without facing legal penalties. This provides a critical window for overstaying travelers or expats with lapsed permits to regularize their status or exit safely.
Malaysia’s EP salary floors and stay caps
Effective June 1, Malaysia is increasing the minimum salary thresholds for all Employment Pass categories and imposing a 10-year maximum stay per employer. These changes make it more difficult for expats to qualify for work permits or maintain long-term residency under a single company.
Malaysia’s 30-Day Pass Endorsement Rule Tightens
On April 17, 2026, the Malaysian government reinforced strict rules on pass endorsement (for employment passes and similar work visas). Payment for pass endorsement must now be completed within one month from the applicant’s date of entry into Malaysia or the date of approval for a pass renewal, new application, or change in category/employer. Failure to meet this can result in cancellation of the approved application, requiring a full resubmission and potentially delaying processing. Applicants must remain in Malaysia throughout the entire endorsement process (until the sticker is issued); leaving the country at any stage may lead to cancellation. Once submitted, applications cannot be amended—any changes require cancellation and refiling. These rules directly affect expats and foreign workers on passes by increasing compliance burdens and risks of status disruption.
Malaysia Updates Employment Pass Salary and Tenure Rules
Starting June 2026, Malaysia will raise the Category I salary threshold to RM20,000 and limit employment durations to 5-10 years. These changes aim to reduce the foreign workforce to 5% by 2035, potentially impacting long-term residency prospects for skilled professionals.
Malaysia Streamlines Visas with MIDA Expatriate System
The new MIDA Expatriate System (MES) is a one-stop digital platform designed to streamline visa applications for the manufacturing and services sectors. This update aims to reduce administrative complexity and increase transparency for foreign professionals moving to Malaysia.
Malaysia Enhances Air Connectivity with China
Expanded air links between Malaysia and China improve regional mobility and reduce travel costs for nomads using Southeast Asia as a home base.
Malaysia Updates Employment Pass Rules for Expats
Effective June 2026, Malaysia will increase minimum salary requirements for Employment Pass holders, with Category I rising to RM20,000. The policy also introduces a 10-year maximum tenure for most roles and requires employers to implement local talent replacement plans.
Malaysia tightens enforcement of stay limits for Chinese nationals
Malaysia is tightening enforcement of the stay limits for Chinese nationals visiting visa-free: 30 days per entry and 90 days in any 180-day period, a cap in force since July 17, 2025. Closer checks affect long-term travelers and regional nomads who rely on visa runs.