The Malaysia Special Pass is a short-term visa issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department, primarily for foreign nationals who need additional time to finalize their departure from the country.
The pass is valid for 30 days and is typically granted to those who, for valid reasons, are unable to leave Malaysia by the expiration date of their current visa or pass.
In the past, the Special Pass was issued for two main purposes: “Making Arrangement to Leave the Country” and “Pending Approval of an Employment/Student Pass.” However, as of 2016, regulations have changed, making the Special Pass more restricted in its use.
This guide will explain who qualifies for a Malaysia Special Pass, what documents are required, and what the application process looks like.
Who Has to Apply for a Malaysia Special Pass?
Since the changes implemented in 2016, the Malaysia Special Pass is only issued in cases where you are unable to leave Malaysia by the date on your current visa (e.g., Employment Pass, Visit Pass, or Student Pass) due to valid reasons. You cannot use the Special Pass to extend your stay for the purpose of renewing a visa or applying for a new pass while remaining in Malaysia.
Some important points to note:
- If you missed your visa renewal deadline or want to convert a Student Pass to an Employment Pass, the Special Pass is not an option anymore.
- The Special Pass is mainly granted for arranging your departure from Malaysia, and in most cases, you must leave the country once the 30-day period has expired.
If you need more time to stay in Malaysia to apply for a new pass but your current visa is expiring, you will likely need to leave the country and reapply from abroad.
To clarify your eligibility, it’s recommended to contact the Malaysian Immigration Department directly.
Requirements for a Malaysia Special Pass
When applying for a Special Pass, you will need to gather several supporting documents. The exact list of documents can vary depending on individual circumstances, but the typical requirements include:
- Original Passport: You must have a valid passport.
- Photocopies of Passport: You may need to submit photocopies of all the pages in your passport, including the information page.
- Copy of Current Visa/Pass: A photocopy of your current visa or pass.
- For Dependents:
- Photocopy of the primary visa holder’s passport details and current immigration pass.
- Marriage Certificate (for spouses).
- Birth Certificate (for dependent children).
- Birth Certificate of the primary visa holder (for dependent parents).
- Reserved Flight Ticket: You will need to show a confirmed flight reservation to prove you will be leaving Malaysia within 30 days.
- Typed Letter: A letter explaining why you are requesting the Special Pass.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and the Immigration Department may request additional documents as they deem necessary.
Documents such as birth and marriage certificates must be translated into English if they are not already in that language, and they must be endorsed as Certified True Copies (CTC) by your home country’s embassy in Malaysia.
How to Apply for a Malaysia Special Pass
The Immigration Department of Malaysia is responsible for issuing Special Passes. To apply, you must visit the Immigration Office in person before your current visa expires and request the Special Pass. Here are the key steps in the application process:
- Application Timing: You should apply for a Special Pass at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
- Documentation: Prepare all the necessary documents (as listed above) and bring them with you to the Immigration Department.
- International Students: If you are an international student, your educational institution can assist you with the Special Pass application process. However, you will need to cover all the related costs.
- Foreign Workers: For foreign workers, your employer is typically responsible for applying for the Special Pass on your behalf. Check with your employer to clarify who handles the application process.
What Happens if You Overstay in Malaysia?
Overstaying your visa in Malaysia is a serious offense, and it can lead to severe consequences, including detention and fines. If you stay in Malaysia beyond your visa’s expiration date, the Immigration Department may take action against you. The specific penalties for overstaying include:
- Fines: A monetary fine based on the number of days overstayed.
- Detention: In serious cases, individuals may face detention until the penalty is settled or deportation arrangements are made.
It’s essential to avoid overstaying your visa by keeping track of your visa’s expiration date and applying for a Special Pass if you need more time to leave the country.
Final Thoughts
The Malaysia Special Pass is a temporary solution for foreign nationals who, for legitimate reasons, cannot depart Malaysia by the expiration of their current visa. It provides a 30-day grace period to arrange your departure from the country.
However, it cannot be used to extend your stay for visa renewals or to switch between visa types. Always apply before your visa expires and make sure to have all necessary documents ready to avoid complications.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for the Special Pass or have any concerns about the application process, contacting the Malaysian Immigration Department directly is the best course of action.