Key updates to Malaysia's ESD Online Guidebook [Oct 2023]

The Expatriate Services Division has urged employers to refer to this latest version of the guidebook to ensure they remain up to date on current requirements.

Malaysia's Expatriate Services Division has shared details on the latest version( V4) of its ESD Online Guidebook. 

Important updates to the guidebook are as follows:

Application for support letter from agencies via Xpats Gateway (pages 18 to 21)

Companies regulated by agencies are required to submit an approval letter for each Employment Pass (Category I, II, and III) application from the relevant Agencies in the Xpats Gateway platform to obtain their approval letter.

Employment Pass (EP) approval requirement (page 33)

Applications under all new Employment Pass categories I, II, and III (knowledge/skilled workers) require an Approval Letter and Visa with a Reference Letter (VwR) for the purpose of employment. The Approval and VwR Letters must be produced at the point-of-entry into Malaysia for verification purposes.

For categories I, II, and III, individuals of nationalities that require a visa to enter Malaysia can apply at the nearest Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate General in the respective country, or through the eVISA website (If applicable).

Professional Visit Pass (PVP) approval requirement (page 52)

All new PVP applications must obtain an Approval Letter before entering Malaysia for the purpose of employment. The Approval Letter must be produced at the point-of-entry into Malaysia for verification purposes. 

Endorsement and sticker delivery at MYXpats Centre for EP, DP & PVP (page 73)

Applicants who have entered the country will have 30 days from the date of entry to endorse the EP sticker, and 14 days for the PVP sticker via pass delivery by Pos Malaysia (new and renewal applications), or applicants who have entered Malaysia via KLIA Terminal 1 will be able to collect and endorse the EP or PVP sticker at the ESD Satellite Centre (ESC), KLIA Terminal 1 (new applications only).

Endorsed sticker(s) will be delivered in one working day if within Klang Valley, or in three working days outside of Klang Valley, and in five working days to Labuan upon collection by Pos Malaysia.

An ePASS (for renewals EP & DP only) can be generated through ESD Online for applicants with a previously endorsed sticker on the passport, subject to the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. 

The checklist and sample documents for EP and PVP applications can be found on pages 86 and 87 of the guidebook.

With this, ESD strongly encourages employers to go through the ESD Online Guidebook V4, 2023 to ensure they remain updated with current requirements for ESD Online-related applications.

Lead image / ESD Online Guidebook