Malaysia has launched a new system aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for foreign professionals and their families who overstay their visas for short periods.
The initiative, called the Overstay Management Programme, allows holders of Employment Passes and Dependent Passes to pay standardised fines for overstays of up to 90 days, replacing the previously lengthy and often complex enforcement process.
The move represents a significant shift in how Malaysia handles immigration lapses for expatriates, a group central to the country’s technology, manufacturing, and services sectors.
Previously, individuals who remained in the country more than 30 days beyond the expiration of their pass were automatically referred for investigation under the Overstay Investigation Paper (OIP) process, which involved formal interviews, company involvement, and often lengthy delays.
Under the new framework, the penalties for 1 to 30 days will be 30 Malaysian ringgit ($7.26) per day; 1,000 ringgit ($241.96) for overstays between 31 to 60 days while 2,000 ringgit ($483.91) is imposed on 61 to 90 days overstay.
The programme also includes a procedural adjustment where the fee for a Special Pass, an interim document that allows foreign nationals to remain legally while awaiting a new pass or extension, has been doubled from 100 to 200 ringgit ($24.20–$48.39) per application.
Officials disclosed that the increase reflects rising administrative costs and intended to streamline the issuance process.
Foreign nationals who have overstayed more than 90 days, committed multiple violations, or already hold a Special Pass are excluded from this programme.
Individuals with prior immigration offences will still be referred to the Enforcement Division, where formal investigations and in-person appearances remain mandatory.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) confirmed that the Overstay Management Programme is already in effect.
While the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has yet to release an official notice, it is reportedly applying the procedures in practice.
