Last Updated on February 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 6 October 2022 and was updated on 1 November 2022 to reflect new information.
1 November 2022 Update: The government of Malaysia introduced additional information regarding the Social Visit Pass scheme. The government clarified that:
- Once issued, the approval letter for the Social Visit Pass will remain valid for a 30-day period and can only be used for a single-entry visit to Malaysia.
- Applicants can apply for a second Social Visit Pass after the first approval letter expires so long as the holder has exited the country prior to submitting a new application.
Key Points
The government of Malaysia expanded eligibility for applicants under the Social Visit Pass scheme
Overview
The government of Malaysia introduced new permissions for those applying under the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) Social Visit Pass scheme on 3 October 2022. Foreign nationals intending to perform short-term assignments in Malaysia for a period of 30 days or less in the following sectors will be permitted to apply:
Education, technology and communication, commodity, security and defense, finance and banking, agriculture and farming, tourism, factory and manufacturing, services, wholesale and retail sales and petroleum and energy
Applications must be submitted while the applicant is located outside of Malaysia. Generally, the processing time of the Social Visit Pass will take approximately three working days. However, timelines can vary based on several factors, including the purpose of the application, the applicant's nationality and the country of application submission.
Visa-required nationals will also need to apply for an Entry Visa prior to arrival. For additional insight into qualification requirements, check here.
What are the Changes?
The government of Malaysia expanded the sectors eligible for the Social Visit Pass Scheme. In addition, the government introduced new information on processing times and application process requirements.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Malaysia's website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative
