MALAYSIA – Electronic Pass (ePass) to be Introduced for Renewal Applications

March 24, 2023


As of 17 March 2023, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced they will grant electronic pass (ePass) for employment pass (EP) renewals and related passes filed with them. The endorsement sticker that is usually affixed onto the foreign national’s passport showing the renewed pass will be replaced by the ePass and this will be applicable to all employment pass (EP) renewals and the accompanying dependents’ pass renewals.

The change does not apply to the following scenarios:

  • New application of EP and accompanying dependents’ passes – the endorsement sticker will still have to be affixed onto the passport for the initial application.
  • New and renewal application of Professional Visit Pass (PVP) Holders – the change is not applicable to the PVP holders.
  • Any change in passports during the renewal process or in a transfer of endorsement process – the ePass is only applicable to foreign nationals renewing their EP and related passes in Malaysia who are still holding the same passport they used for applying for their current pass.

The ePass can be stored in a mobile device or can be printed as a hardcopy. Foreign nationals holding an ePass are still required to carry their original passport at all times as proof of their identification and status in the country.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.