Effective 01 July 2025, the ESD will implement a six- month ‘cooling-off period’ for companies found to be non-compliant when submitting expatriate applications. This measure applies to cases involving:
- False reporting or statements
- Falsification or misrepresentation of information
- Forging or submitting fraudulent documents
- Misuse or abuse of the ESD system
Companies involved in any of the above will face a suspension of applications and appeals for six months, during which a comprehensive review of the company’s track record, governance practices, and overall integrity will be conducted.
Following the completion of the cooling-off period, affected companies will be reassessed. If they pass this reassessment, they may resume submitting applications. However, if further serious breaches are discovered, additional enforcement actions may be taken.
This initiative underscores the Malaysian government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and credible system. Companies are strongly encouraged to stay updated with ESD requirements and remain fully compliant.
For more information or assistance regarding the above developments or other global immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact Antonia.Grant@magrath.co.uk or Rachel.Ang@magrath.sg.
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