MNCs with good track record to get fast-track visas, work permits, says Rafizi

PUTRAJAYA: Multinational companies (MNC) with a good track record will enjoy a shorter processing time of five days when applying for work permits and visas for expatriate staff come June, says Rafizi Ramli.

The Economic Minister said this would be a drastic drop from an average of 87 days for such applications.

He said during discussions between companies and the special task force to facilitate business (Pemudah), one of the main grouses raised was about the time taken to process work permits and visas for expatriates.

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"We will have a more simpler system soon to process these applications, thanks to the rationalisation of processes and systems

"The government already has the record of these companies, particularly large MNCs, so their applications will be on the fast track," he told reporters after chairing the Pemudah meeting on Sunday (April 9).

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He said this facility would be extended to companies which have good compliance with the country's laws and policies and have long-standing expatriate employment.

However, they would still be subject to audits to ensure compliance of Malaysia’s laws and regulations, Rafizi added.

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For companies which have yet to establish a good record, the minister said they would have to undergo the current time period for their applications.

"Over time, their applications too, will see a faster processing period," he said.

He added that he would hold discussions with mentris besar, chief ministers and state secretaries to get local authorities to adopt a shorter processing period for development orders.

He said that currently, the time taken to process applications for development orders varies from one local authority to another.

He said the average time taken by local authorities to process application for development order is 148 days, with some taking up to 200 days.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has the shortest application process time at 58 days.

"We hope that local authorities can adopt best practices so a shorter time period is needed. It would be ideal to see it done within 70 days.

"Pemudah proposed that the Federal Government consider creating a competitive ecosystem, where local authorities which show efficiency be given due consideration when deciding on development allocations," he said.