Malaysia has introduced a major immigration update with its new Overstay Management Programme, designed to ease penalties for short overstays and simplify how foreign workers regularise their status. The initiative allows Employment Pass (EP) and Dependent Pass (DP) holders who have overstayed for up to 90 days to resolve the issue by paying a standard fine—without undergoing complicated investigations or lengthy enforcement procedures.
By streamlining the process, Malaysia aims to create a more efficient, predictable, and hassle-free immigration experience for foreign professionals and their families, helping companies maintain smoother operations while supporting better compliance.
A Simpler, More Predictable System for Short Overstays
Under the new framework, foreigners who overstay their visas by up to 90 days can now settle their case through a standardised fine structure. This replaces the earlier system that required overstays of more than 30 days to go through the Overstay Investigation Paper (OIP) process—an often lengthy and stressful procedure.
Revised Penalty Structure
1–30 days: MYR 30 per day.
31–60 days: A fixed total fine of MYR 1,000.
61–90 days: A fixed total fine of MYR 2,000.
This simplified penalty framework represents a significant improvement over the earlier system, where overstays beyond 30 days required investigation and enforcement actions that often caused delays and stress for foreign workers and employers.
Higher Special Pass Fee
Malaysia has also increased the Special Pass fee—from MYR 100 to MYR 200 per application. This pass is typically issued to foreigners who need temporary permission to remain in the country while their immigration status is being reviewed.
Who Is Eligible?
The simplified fine system applies to:
- Employment Pass holders.
- Dependent Pass holders.
- Short overstays not exceeding 90 days.
However, some categories do not qualify:
- Overstays beyond 90 days.
- Repeat offenders.
- Individuals with serious immigration violations.
- Holders of Special Passes or those under other legal scrutiny.
These cases will continue to be handled through traditional enforcement procedures.
Why the Change?
The new policy reflects Malaysia’s push to:
1. Reduce bureaucratic delays.
2. Improve ease of doing business.
3. Support companies employing foreign professionals.
4. Offer a more predictable immigration experience.
5. Maintain compliance and enforcement for serious cases.
For multinational firms and skilled expatriates, this is a welcome relief—providing a clearer pathway to resolve unintentional overstays.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has confirmed that the programme is already in effect. Although the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has not issued an official circular, it is following the same guidelines in practice.
Avoiding Overstay Penalties: What Travellers Should Do
Malaysia’s Immigration Department strongly advises:
- Starting renewal or extension of passes at least 3 months before expiry.
- Ensuring employers monitor visa validity dates.
- Avoiding last-minute submissions that may lead to technical overstays.
- Early planning remains the most effective way to remain compliant and avoid fines.
Malaysia’s new Overstay Management Programme marks a modern, pragmatic shift in immigration handling—reducing stress for expats and easing pressure on government systems. As the country continues attracting international talent across technology, manufacturing, and services, this simplified process is set to create a smoother, more efficient environment for both businesses and foreign nationals.
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