IMPACT – MEDIUM

Malaysia has relaxed its entry ban for some travelers.

Key Points:

  • Expatriates and their dependants and professional visit pass-holders from the following 23 countries in Malaysia’s enforced entry ban list are now allowed to enter the country: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, they must obtain entry permission from the Director General of Immigration Malaysia (DGIM) prior to traveling to Malaysia.
  • In addition, expatriates for all categories and their dependants and professional visit pass-holders must also obtain entry permission from DGIM before they can enter the country. Their application must also be accompanied by a support letter from the Malaysian Investment Development Authorities or related agencies.
  • The government has also decided to allow permanent residents and MM2H holders to enter. Foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens will be allowed to enter Malaysia as well provided it is a one-way journey and that they remain in Malaysia. These categories also require obtaining entry permission from DGIM.
  • Student pass-holders from the affected countries will also be allowed to enter with entry permission from DGIM.

Background: Malaysia implemented strict COVID-19 preventative measures in March, including barring entry to foreign nationals.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of the entry ban for certain individuals will allow greater movement of people into Malaysia. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The foreign ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have announced that the two countries are targeting to resume cross-border travel Aug. 10 for some categories of employees.

Key Points:

  • The commuting arrangement will apply to long-term pass holders and those traveling on essential or official business.
  • Those eligible to use the green lane must submit a “controlled itinerary” to the receiving country and will be subject to a COVID-19 swab test.
  • After working at least three consecutive months in the country where they are employed, long-term pass holders may return to their home country on short-term leave, and then re-enter their country of employment to resume work for at least another three consecutive months.

Additional information: Singapore implemented a similar “fast-lane” travel arrangement with China in June. Officials of both countries are working out the details of the cross-border travel arrangement and will publish information on the requirements and application process for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore 10 days before the Aug. 10 start date.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Malaysia has replaced the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) with the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), and has issued new entry procedures for expatriates, dependents, and foreign domestic workers, effective from June 10 to Aug. 31.

Key Points:

  • Expatriates, dependents, and foreign domestic workers with valid passes currently stranded abroad can now submit an entry permission application, together with a Support Letter from the relevant approving agency or regulatory body (e.g., the Expatriate Services Division [ESD] or Malaysian Investment Development Authority [MIDA]), to the Director General of Immigration Malaysia at pbf@imi.gov.my.
  • For new applications for expatriates currently abroad, companies may now submit pass applications (Employment Pass [EP], Professional Visit Pass [PVP] or Dependant Pass [DP]) to the relevant approving agency or regulatory body (ESD, MISA, or Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation [MDeC]) to obtain an Approval Letter and Support Letter. They can then submit an entry permission application, together with the Approval Letter and Support Letter, to the Director General of Immigration Malaysia at pbf@imi.gov.my.
  • Approval will be given within seven working days from the date of submission; and applications that do not receive a response within this timeframe can be considered to be rejected.
  • If the application is approved, ESD will issue an Entry Approval Letter to the company with copies sent to the approving agency or regulatory body, National Disaster Management Agency Malaysia (NADMA), National Security Council Malaysia, Malaysian Mission Abroad, Foreign Missions, and related agencies.
  • Individuals must then undergo a COVID-19 PCR test abroad, and be medically confirmed to be free of COVID-19 before entering Malaysia.
  • Visa-required nationals must also obtain a visa from a Malaysian embassy or consulate.
  • Upon arrival in Malaysia, both the Entry Approval Letter and COVID-19 PCR test results must be presented to the immigration officer at the entry checkpoint. The individual may also be required to undergo an additional COVID-19 swab test if instructed to do so by officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the point of arrival.
  • The individual would then be required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine at their residence or a hotel, and download/install the ‘MySejahtera’ mobile app issued by MOH for monitoring purposes.

Background: Malaysia imposed the initial Movement Control Order in March and has extended it several times since then.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has extended the movement control order (MCO) a fourth time since it was initially implemented March 18.

Key Points:

  • The MCO is extended until June 9.
  • Non-essential businesses remain shut.
  • Domestic and international travel continue to be prohibited.

Background: The government began easing some restrictions on the economic sector earlier this month.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced that a Conditional Movement Control Order is in effect as of May 4, allowing for certain economic and social activities to resume. Immigration services and requirements have been updated in response to the CMCO.

Key Points:

  • Submission of immigration-related documents is permitted by appointment only; walk-ins are strictly prohibited.
  • Foreign nationals who have overstayed from Jan. 1, 2020 until 14 days after the end of the Movement Control Order (MCO) can leave Malaysia without being blacklisted.
  • Pass facilitation for foreigners whose pass has expired from Feb. 1 can be completed at any immigration office within 30 working days from the end of MCO.
  • Malaysian citizens do not need an appointment for Security and Passport Division transactions.
  • The following table provides more information on appointments and available services:
Immigration office/service center Date of resumption Appointment link
Immigration Headquarters (HQ), Putrajaya May 6 www.sto.imi.gov.my
Accessible from Friday, May 8.
Expatriate Services Division (ESD) Department, Putrajaya May 6 www.esd.imi.gov.my
Visa, Pass, and Permit Division, Immigration HQ Putrajaya May 6 www.powerq.my
For Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), Special Pass Yaman, and applications for filming and performances by overseas artists.
Enforcement Unit, Immigration HQ Putrajaya May 13 N/A
For overstayers, newborn foreigners in Malaysia, and loss of passport.Foreigners with confirmed tickets (flight/ferry/bus) are allowed to walk in for submission.
MYXpats Centre, Surian Tower May 13 www.esd.imi.gov.my
Accessible from Monday, May 4.
MDeC Service Centre, Cyberjaya Closed until further notice. To be announced.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Closed until further notice. To collect a Letter of Good Conduct, email skb_admin@kln.gov.my or contact +603-8887 4311/4159/4100 to make an appointment.

To make a legalization appointment, email Ms. Julia Suhaili (juliasu@kln.gov.my) and Mr. Mohd Tarmizi Mohd Taib (mizie@kln.gov.my).
Malaysia Institute Translation & Books Closed until further notice. Submit applications online at www.itbm.com.my/terjemahan or email sales@itbm.com.my.


Background: The government imposed travel restrictions in March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and extended the MCO for a third time last month.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Malaysia has extended a temporary movement control order a third time to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • The order, which was implemented in March and extended to April 14 and then again to April 28, has been extended a third time until May 12.

Background: The original MCO issued in March implemented a number of travel restrictions. It barred visitors from entering Malaysia and Malaysian nationals from traveling abroad. It also closed government offices and private businesses, except for those providing essential services. Additionally, a penalty of RM1,000 and/or six months in jail was established for violating the MCO.

The government has implemented an enhanced MCO that further restricts the movement of residents in locations within the country with large numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: The extension will continue to affect the movement of people into Malaysia, and it may be extended again. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has again extended the temporary movement control order (MCO) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • The movement control order, originally implemented last month and then extended to April 14, has been extended again until April 28.
  • The Malaysia Expatriate Talent Service Centre (MYXpats Centre) and Immigration Department will be temporary closed until April 28. All communication with MYXpats Centre during the MCO will be limited to email only. Click here for more information.
  • The Ministry of International Trade and Industry has announced that certain sectors may operate during the MOC provided they follow strict health and safety guidelines. The sectors include, but are not limited to: the automotive industry; machinery and equipment industry; aerospace industry; construction and services related to construction work; the scientific sector; professional and technical services, including research and development; health services.

Background: Malaysia originally implemented measures to mitigate the spread of the virus that took effect March 18, and then extended the MCO until April 14.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Malawi government recently announced travel and visa restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Malawi has instituted an emergency order banning all commercial international flights for a period of three weeks, effective from Wednesday, April 1, in order to prevent any imported COVID-19 cases. The ban does not apply to cargo or goods.
  • Effective from March 25, all visas on arrival at airports and ports of entry are suspended for three weeks. The suspension applies to all holders of passports who require a visa to enter the country. The suspension may be changed, depending on fluctuating COVID-19 circumstances.
  • The suspension does not apply to Malawi residents, or holders of visas or entry permits that were valid before March 25. New visas will not be processed during the suspension.
  • Government offices remain open at this time, but processing delays should be expected.
  • A temporary travel ban is currently in effect for travelers from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • Quarantine facilities in Blantyre and Lilongwe have been designated for travelers demonstrating COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.

Additional information: These measures remain subject to change, as they have been introduced in response to the rapidly changing global COVID-19 landscape.

Analysis & Comments: The new visa and travel restrictions will impact the movement of people into Malawi. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Malaysia has extended the movement control order (MCO) it implemented earlier this month to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The temporary MCO will continue to be in force until April 14.

Key Points:

  • Malaysian nationals are barred from traveling abroad.
  • Visitors are barred from entering Malaysia.
  • All government offices and private businesses will be closed, save those providing essential services.
  • Anyone who disobeys the MCO may face a fine of RM1,000 and/or six months in jail.

Analysis & Comments: Employers must continue to be prepared for significant disruptions to all but essential business and government functions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Malaysia has implemented strict immigration measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The temporary measures will be in force from March 18 through March 31.

Key Points:

  • Malaysian nationals will be barred from traveling abroad.
  • Malaysian nationals returning from abroad must undergo a health inspection and 14-day self-quarantine.
  • All foreign nationals will be barred from entering Malaysia.
  • All government offices and private businesses will be closed, save those providing essential services.

Analysis & Comments: Employers must be prepared for significant disruptions to all but essential business and government functions. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.