Malaysia has introduced a new system aimed at simplifying how foreign professionals and their families resolve short-term visa overstays, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration management approach.
The initiative, known as the Overstay Management Program, offers a clearer and more predictable process for holders of Employment Passes and Dependent Passes who remain in the country for up to 90 days beyond their permitted stay. Instead of going through lengthy enforcement procedures, eligible expatriates can now settle their cases by paying fixed fines based on the duration of the overstay.
Under the new structure, overstays of one to 30 days attract a daily penalty of 30 Malaysian ringgit. Those staying 31 to 60 days pay a flat fine of 1,000 ringgit, while overstays between 61 and 90 days cost 2,000 ringgit. Authorities say the simplified penalty system will reduce administrative backlogs and shorten the time it takes to resolve minor violations.
Before this policy shift, anyone who stayed more than 30 days past the expiration of their pass was automatically routed into the Overstay Investigation Paper process. That system required employer involvement, formal interviews, and could take weeks or months to complete. Immigration officials and industry groups often criticized it for creating bottlenecks that affected both foreign workers and local employers.
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The cost of the Special Pass—used by foreign nationals awaiting the approval of a new or extended pass—has also doubled from 100 to 200 ringgit. Officials say the adjustment reflects rising administrative demands and is intended to speed up processing times.
Not all cases qualify for the streamlined pathway. Individuals who have overstayed for more than 90 days, accumulated repeated violations, or currently hold a Special Pass remain subject to the existing investigation process. Those with prior immigration offenses will continue to be referred to the Enforcement Division, which requires mandatory in-person appearances.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation has confirmed that the new program is already in effect, though the Expatriate Services Division has yet to issue a formal announcement. Industry advisers recommend starting visa renewals at least three months before expiration to avoid penalties or more complex enforcement steps.
Malaysia’s updated policy reflects a pragmatic attempt to encourage compliance while reducing bureaucratic delays for expatriates—an important demographic supporting the country’s technology, manufacturing, and services industries. Although the program offers a clearer path for resolving minor overstays, officials continue to emphasize that timely visa management remains the safest and most efficient way to avoid penalties.
