Appeal for Entry Permit Application
i. Appeal for Entry Permit Application
An Entry Permit is a permit that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Malaysia beyond the validity period of their existing pass. The Entry Permit is issued under Section 10 of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Approval of this permit qualifies the holder to apply for Permanent Resident status in Malaysia. All Entry Permit applications must be submitted to the Immigration Department of Malaysia. If an applicant is dissatisfied with the application decision, an appeal petition must be made by the applicant themselves to the Minister of Home Affairs within 30 days from the date of the rejection letter. The Entry Permit appeal must be submitted with the following documents:
1. Category: Spouse/Child of a Malaysian Citizen
a. Appeal letter written by the applicant b. Rejection letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia c. Three passport-sized photos of the applicant (blue background) d. One passport-sized photo of the sponsor (blue background) e. Wedding and family photographs f. Wedding invitation card (if available) g. Marriage certificate (for Muslims) h. Marriage certificate (for non-Muslims) i. Copy of the applicant's passport (since entry into Malaysia) j. Copy of the sponsor’s passport (passport used for marriage abroad) k. Copy of identity card, citizenship certificate, and birth certificate of the sponsor, applicant (if available), and children l. Confirmation letter from the school principal (for children enrolled in primary and secondary schools) m. Copy of divorce certificate and death certificate (if applicable)
2. Category: Points-Based System/Foreign Nationals
a. Appeal letter written by the applicant b. Rejection letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia c. Copy of certification and employer’s support letter (for Specialist/Professional category) d. Certificate of Expertise from relevant agencies (for Specialist/Professional category) e. SSM statement (for Investor category) f. Three passport-sized photos of the applicant (blue background) g. One passport-sized photo of the sponsor (blue background) h. Declaration of renunciation of citizenship (if citizenship has been renounced) i. Copy of academic certificates j. Resume/Curriculum vitae (if available) k. Copy of the applicant's passport (since entry into Malaysia) l. Copy of the sponsor’s passport (passport used for marriage abroad)
Individuals whose appeals may be considered include:
- Individuals with qualifications and professional expertise that contribute to national development without affecting existing citizen rights.
- Individuals with a certificate issued by the Minister of Home Affairs confirming their entry benefits the national economy.
- Spouses and children under six years old of individuals categorized in points (1) and (2) above.
- Legal spouses of Malaysian citizens who have resided continuously in Malaysia for five years or more under long-term immigration facilities (social visit pass/temporary work pass/employment pass).
- Children under six years old of Malaysian citizens.
- Individuals whose entry may be considered on compassionate grounds by the Minister of Home Affairs.
ii. Appeal for Foreign Trade Officer Position Application Rejected Twice by the Immigration Department of Malaysia
Local and foreign companies are permitted to bring in Foreign Trade Officers to fill positions where trained Malaysian citizens are insufficient.
As a policy, Foreign Trade Officers are only allowed to work in Malaysia for up to 10 years (except for key post/shareholders). Exemption appeals must be referred to the Immigration Affairs Division for consideration and approval.
The Immigration Affairs Division considers second-time appeals after rejection by the Trade Officers Committee at the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The division processes and submits a recommendation paper regarding the appeal application to the senior management of the Ministry of Home Affairs within 14 working days after receiving a complete application endorsed by the relevant regulatory agency. Applicants will be informed of the appeal decision within five working days after obtaining the senior management’s decision.
iii. Appeal for Professional Visit Pass Application
The Professional Visit Pass is issued to foreign nationals intending to enter Malaysia for work with any agency. The validity period varies but does not exceed 12 months at any time.
This pass is considered for the following categories:
- Artists
- Islamic Preachers
- Religious Preachers (Other Religions)
- Specialists/Volunteers
The Immigration Affairs Division processes and submits decisions on Professional Visit Pass appeal applications within 14 working days after receiving a complete application.
iv. Application for Foreign Media Personnel
Foreign media companies are permitted to bring in foreign staff to fill required positions. The Immigration Affairs Division processes and submits recommendations for Foreign Trade Officer applications for foreign media companies to the senior management of the Ministry of Home Affairs within 14 working days after receiving a complete application endorsed by the relevant regulatory agency. Applicants will be informed of the appeal decision within five working days after obtaining the senior management’s decision.
v. Application for Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) Approval for International Student Enrollment
The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) supports the efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) in making Malaysia a regional center of educational excellence.
Acts and Regulations
Regulation 13(5) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 states:
- An educational institution intending to enroll international students must obtain approval from the Minister of Home Affairs.
- Institutions in Sabah and Sarawak require approval from the respective state governments.
- KDN processes applications for international student enrollment based on the following criteria:
- Valid institution registration
- Compliance with relevant agency requirements
- Course accreditation by the National Accreditation Board (LAN)
- No prior violations of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963
- Capability to provide adequate teaching and learning infrastructure
- Government agency certification or KDN/JIM random inspections
A complete application will receive a decision within 14 working days. Approval for international student enrollment may be revoked by KDN at any time if the institution violates the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963, or other conditions. Once approved by KDN, institutions may apply for Student Passes at the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
vi. Application for Male Foreign Domestic Helper
Employers must have children or ill parents requiring intensive care. Applications for Male Foreign Domestic Helpers can be submitted to the Immigration Affairs Division for consideration and approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
vii. Application for Female Foreign Domestic Helpers Not from Source Countries
Foreign Domestic Helpers are female workers granted Temporary Work Visit Passes to work in the domestic helper sector. Applications for Foreign Domestic Helpers must be submitted to the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Currently, only eight (8) source countries are permitted:
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- The Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- India
- Vietnam
- Laos
Applications for female foreign domestic helpers not from source countries can be submitted to the Immigration Affairs Division for consideration and approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs.