Expats in EP 1 category now allowed entry into Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Expatriates in the Employment Pass 1 (EP) category are now allowed to enter the country without applying for approval from the Immigration Department, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister said those who have the professional visit or resident pass talent passes and hold senior management posts in companies in Malaysia would be allowed to enter the country with immediate effect.

However, the expatriates would still need to undergo swab tests in their home countries before coming to Malaysia or undergo a Covid-19 test once they were here, he said.

"If the test is negative, they need not undergo the 14-days compulsory home quarantine.

"However, this is only for those who come from countries in the green zone.

"If they are from countries in the red zone, then they must undergo the 14-day quarantine process," he said in a press conference on Friday (June 19).

Ismail said some of the green zone countries were Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand and Australia.

However, he said the government was waiting for the Health Ministry to announce the green zone countries.

He also said that those coming in must download the MySejahtera application, adding that technical specialists for specialised work, like repairing machines or ships, that cannot be done by locals were also allowed to come into the country.

Ismail said their entry to the country would be allowed as long as their working period is limited, they did not mingle with others and work in small groups or in closed areas.

He said these specialists would need to apply for a professional visit pass through the expatriate service division online.

They would also need to undergo a swab test in their home country or take one when they arrived here.

Similarly, they also need to download the MySejahtera application.