The Malaysian Immigration Department (MID) has decided to implement a stricter employment pass (EP) cancellation policy. This new policy is effective immediately and is intended to limit the ability of EP holders to travel and re-enter Malaysia once they have already filed a request to cancel their EP. Previously, foreign workers were able to leave and re-enter Malaysia up until the requested date of cancellation of the EP. With this new rule, a foreign national’s EP will be cancelled immediately if they leave Malaysia after submitting a cancellation request to the authorities. Upon returning to Malaysia, these foreign nationals will have lost their ability to work in Malaysia. Additionally, they may be denied re-entry and will have to apply for an entry visa abroad. This will only permit them to re-enter the country, but it will not authorize employment. Even if a foreign worker is changing employers in Malaysia, it is not advisable to leave the country after submitting a request to cancel their EP.
Please note that this is general information only and not intended as advice on a specific matter. Please feel free to contact Fakhoury Global Immigration directly with questions exclusive to your situation. This news alert may have been prepared using information from Peregrine Immigration Management, which is licensed to Fakhoury Global Immigration.