Immigration Department to Introduce Online Special Pass to Speed Up Government Transactions
The immigration department will introduce an online special pass (eSP) in January, an initiative to speed up government transactions, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
About Special Passes
A special pass is a document issued to foreigners granting the holder the right to enter and stay in Malaysia for no more than 30 days.
Current Application Process
Special passes are currently issued and applied for manually, meaning applicants need to submit documents in person. According to Saifuddin, on average, 50% of the total transactions at the visa, pass and permit division’s social and professional visit pass counters are related to special pass applications, causing congestion.
Solution: Online Special Pass
The eSP will help reduce congestion at counters. Saifuddin said, “The eSP will help reduce congestion at counters. This will enable applicants to submit their applications online and reduce the need for manual processing, making it faster and more efficient.”
Eligibility and Requirements
Foreign nationals awaiting decisions for new applications, extensions, or have experienced issues for other reasons deemed appropriate and reasonable can apply for the eSP. However, the ministry will not compromise on security, saying applicants must meet the conditions and qualifications set in accordance with current policies in force and are required to upload the required supporting documents.
Application Process
Each application will be carefully reviewed to ensure only foreigners who are truly eligible are granted eSPs. Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements or whose applications are not approved will be instructed to go to the nearest immigration office for further inspection and clarification.
Statistics
A total of 139,344 special passes were issued in 2023, while 119,019 special passes had been issued as of October this year.
Conclusion
The introduction of the online special pass is expected to speed up government transactions and reduce congestion at immigration counters. The ministry has emphasized the importance of meeting the conditions and qualifications set in accordance with current policies in force to ensure only eligible foreigners are granted the eSP.
FAQs
Q: Who can apply for the eSP?
A: Foreign nationals awaiting decisions for new applications, extensions, or have experienced issues for other reasons deemed appropriate and reasonable can apply for the eSP.
Q: What are the requirements for applying for the eSP?
A: Applicants must meet the conditions and qualifications set in accordance with current policies in force and are required to upload the required supporting documents.
Q: How will the eSP help reduce congestion at counters?
A: The eSP will enable applicants to submit their applications online, reducing the need for manual processing and making it faster and more efficient.
Q: What happens if an application is not approved?
A: Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements or whose applications are not approved will be instructed to go to the nearest immigration office for further inspection and clarification.