Xpats Gateway to shorten work permit processing time for Malaysia-bound expatriates, effective 15 June 2023

The phased implementation begins with the development of this Xpats Gateway system, to be followed by integration of existing systems by MDEC and IRDA.

Announced by Minister of Economic Affairs Rafizi Ramli, Malaysia will be implementing Xpats Gateway, a new system that is expected to shorten the work permit application process for expatriates. 

Starting 15 June 2023, the phased implementation will begin with the development of the Xpats Gateway system by TalentCorp. This will be followed by the integration of existing systems by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA).

The new system aims to streamline the governance process of approval for Employment Pass (EP) applications, in addition to speeding it up for further efficiency.

In comments reported by The Star, Minister Rafizi said that the application and approval process to hire professional expatriates could take as long as 80 days to complete depending on the sector involved. "There are about 11 separate agencies handling applications for visas for professionals. This was one of the grouses raised by the industries as it was very confusing for them," he said, as cited by The Star.

As such, under the new system, he expects the visa application and approval to be shortened to five days.

In addition to this announcement, the Minister also shared changes to the awarding of contracts to the cleaning industry, whereby performance-based contracts will be awarded, doing away with the current method of going by headcount to hire such companies.

With this, certain criteria must be met by the contractors, including productivity improvement plans, innovation, and technology, in addition to operational criteria, price, quality, and work record. Contractors will be evaluated according to monthly marks and will be paid according to the performance achieved.

He expressed his thoughts in a Facebook post: "Through this implementation, the cleaning and washing industry will transform into a highly skilled and technology-based industry. It will have an impact on the economic structure with a higher value chain, in addition to attracting local workers back to the sector."

It is to be noted that both of these new announcements are counted as "pilot projects in high impact areas" upon conclusion of the latest meeting of the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business or PEMUDAH (Pasukan Petugas Khas Pemudahcara Perniagaan).

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