IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The eXpats Service Centre has announced that it will close June 14-17 for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) holiday.

What does the change mean? Employers and employees should lodge applications as soon as possible, and no later than the cut-off dates listed below if they need decisions before the holidays.

  • Implementation time frame: June 14-17.
  • Visas/permit affected: All eXpats Service Centre services.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals in Malaysia.
  • Business impact: Businesses may need to adjust their timelines because of the holiday closures.
  • Next steps: The Expatriate Services Division has not yet said when it will be closed for the holiday, but an announcement is expected soon.

Background: In celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the eXpats Service Centre will be closed June 14-17. The the center has assigned filing dates for Stage 1 and Stage 2 applications.

Application Type Filing Deadline for Decision Before Holidays
Stage 1 – Foreign knowledge workers for MSC Malaysia Status companies and ICT Sector companies June 1
Stage 2 – Endorsement of employment pass, dependent pass, other related passes and services June 8

Applications submitted after the applicable cutoff dates will not be processed until after offices reopen June 18.

BAL Analysis: Employers and employees should plan to submit any time-sensitive applications ahead of the holiday closure. BAL will provide clients with updated information once the Expatriate Services Division announces dates on which it will be closed for the holiday.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Malaysia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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