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The time period granted for permission to work under the PLS@XPATS facility is a maximum of 30 days, and no extension of the pass is allowed.
Following the announcement of the Social Visit Pass (PLS), or PLS@Xpats, the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) has addressed a set of related frequently asked questions.
Under the pass, workers are allowed to enter Malaysia for 30 days in the event that these professionals are urgently required to carry out critical tasks. These include machine repairing in factories, electrical power experiencing damage, failing ICT systems' function, and testing and commissioning work before the relevant assets and facilities are allowed to operate.
The full set of FAQs is as follows.
1) What is PLS@ XPATS?
PLS@XPATS is an authorisation facility to carry out professional work for critical and emergency work to foreign visitors within 30 days using the Social Visit Pass (PLS).
2) What is the time period given for permission to work under the PLS@XPATS facility?
The time period granted for permission to work under the PLS@XPATS facility is a maximum of 30 days. For countries whose visa eligibility is less than 30 days, the time period given should be according to the visa eligibility of the country.
3) What is the duration of the validity of the approval letter?
The validity of the approval letter is valid for 30 days from the date of approval and for a single trip (single entry visa).
4) What types of sectors are allowed?
The permitted sectors are as follows:
- Government Sector
- Government linked company (GLC)
- Private sector
5) What types of industries are allowed?
- Security & defense
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Health & medical
- Oil, gas & energy
- Finance & banking
- Electrical & electronics
- Wholesale & retail
- Tourism
- Business services
- Commodity
- Education
- Agriculture
- Aviation
- Information, technology & infrastructure
- Others
6) Do applicants need to apply for a visa to obtain PLS@ XPATS approval?
For citizens who require a visa before entering Malaysia, applicants are required to apply for visa online (eVisa) or apply for a visa at the Malaysian Representative Office prior to traveling to Malaysia.
7) Are applicants allowed to enter Malaysia using a Visa On Arrival (VOA) for the purpose of PLS@ XPATS?
Applicants are not allowed to enter Malaysia using a Visa On Arrival (VOA) for the purpose of PLS@ XPATS.
8) How much is the PLS@XPATS facility fee?
The PLS@XPATS facility is free.
9) What is the duration of processing time for PLS@XPATS approval?
Processing time is three working days.
10) Can the period of PLS@ XPATS facility be extended after expiry date?
No extension of PLS@XPATS facility is allowed.
11) How to apply for PLS@XPATS?
Applications can be made via PLS@XPATS on the Immigration Department of Malaysia portal here.
12) Which division will manage the PLS@XPATS applications?
Applications will be managed by the Expatriate Services Division, Malaysian Immigration Department, Putrajaya only.
13) What are the required documents to apply for PLS@XPATS?
The required documents for the application are:
- Letter of application from the company
- A copy of the latest passport (all pages)
- Company Registration Certificate with the Companies Commission (e-SSM)
- Work schedule / Latest project schedule
- Round trip flight ticket (if travelling via air)
14) What is the duration of passport validity required to apply for PLS@XPATS?
The validity period of the passport required to apply for PLS@XPATS is six months or above.
15) Is the qualifying period of the applicant's stay in Malaysia given based on the PLS@XPATS approval letter or the applicant's country visa eligibility?
The eligibility period for the applicant to be in Malaysia is given based on the PLS@XPATS approval letter only, which is 30 days maximum. However, for countries whose visa eligibility is less than thirty (30) days, the eligibility period of being in Malaysia is subject to the country's visa eligibility.
16) What nationalities are allowed to apply for PLS@XPATS?
This PLS@XPATS facility is open to all foreign nationals who have expertise in the designated fields except Israel and Afghanistan.
17) What is the permitted age qualification to apply for PLS@XPATS?
PLS@XPATS is open to applicants aged 18 and above subject to application eligibility requirements.
18) If the company is not registered with ESD Online, is the company allowed to apply for this PLS@XPATS?
Companies not registered with ESD Online are allowed to apply for PLS@XPATS.
19) Are blacklisted applicants allowed to apply for PLS@XPATS?
Blacklisted applicants are not eligible to apply for PLS@XPATS.
20) If the applicant has arrived at any entry point of Malaysia without obtaining a PLS@XPATS approval letter, will the applicant be allowed to enter Malaysia for the purpose of this facility?
Applicants are not allowed to enter for the purpose of this facility if they do not have a PLS@XPATS approval letter.
21) If the previous application has expired, what is the duration it takes to apply for a new PLS@XPATS application?
The next application can be applied for after the expiry date of the previous PLS@XPATS approval letter.
22) Are PLS@XPATS applicants granted the facility of a dependent pass to bring their families into Malaysia?
No dependent pass facility is allowed.
23) If there is an error in entering data when the PLS@ XPATS application is made, will the application be processed?
In the event of data entry error during the PLS@XPATS application, the applicant must submit a new application after the original application is rejected.
24) Is the PLS@XPATS facility applicable throughout Malaysia?
The PLS@XPATS facility is only applicable in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, excluding Sabah and Sarawak.
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