Malaysian companies in manufacturing and selected services sectors to obtain MIDA approval via Xpats Gateway for EP applications

One of the mandatory documents to obtain the MIDA support letter is an approval of manufacturing licence (ML), incentive, grant, status, or a letter of exemption from manufacturing licence.

Companies in the manufacturing sector, selected services sector, and representative offices/regional offices (RE/RO) with an approved status, located in Peninsular Malaysia, can now apply for the Expatriate Post Approvals and Employment Pass Support Letters through the Xpats Gateway. 

According to the Expatriate Services Division, this extension follows the Malaysian Investment Development Authority's (MIDA) announcement on 14 June 2023. Per the announcement, the application for the expatriate Employment Pass (EP), will now be fully implemented through a Single Window Platform (SWP) known as Xpats Gateway System.

As noted, companies will have to show evidence of operation in a sector under MIDA's purview, with one of the mandatory documents to obtain the MIDA support letter being an approval of manufacturing licence (ML), incentive, grant, status, or a letter of exemption from manufacturing licence.

The Xpats Gateway was officially launched on 15 June 2023, aiming to shorten the work permit application process for expatriates. The system streamlines the governance process of approval for EP applications, with visa applications and approvals expected to be shortened to five days.

The use of the system was extended to more sectors effective 31 July 2023. 

View the full list and details here.

Lead image: Malaysian Investment Development Authority