Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Malaysia: Increased Sales and Service Tax (SST) Rate
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department will be implementing an increase in the SST rate from 6% to 8% on March 01, 2024.
Unless exempted or subject to a reduced rate, goods/services will be subject to the higher rate from March 01, 2024, onwards.
Specifically, the processing fee for applications submitted via Expatriate Services Division (ESD)/ Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will be subject to the new higher rate of 8%. ESD has issued an announcement on February 05, 2024, to confirm this, whilst MDEC is expected to soon follow suit. The new fee structure is as follows:
ESD Processing Fee:
| APPLICATION | RM | Current | New |
| FEE | WITH SST (6%) | WITH SST (8%) | |
| Employment Pass (EP) | 800 | 848 | 864 |
| Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | 800 | 848 | 864 |
| Dependant Pass (DP) / Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) | 450 | 477 | 486 |
MDEC Processing Fee*:
*Pending confirmation from MDEC
| APPLICATION | RM | Current | New |
| FEE | WITH SST (6%) | WITH SST (8%) | |
| Employment Pass (EP) – MSC | 2000 | 2120 | 2160 |
| Employment Pass (EP) – ICT | 2800 | 2968 | 3024 |
| Dependant Pass (DP) / Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) | 500 | 530 | 540 |
| Amendment of Approval Letter | 100 | 106 | 108 |
This summary was prepared using information from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Debra Jane Beynon (Regional Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Sweden: Stricter conditions for labour immigration
A proposal to further tighten the conditions for labour immigration into Sweden was put forward to the Swedish Government last week. The aim of it is to tighten the rules around the work permits and further encourage highly qualified workers.
The amendments are meant to come into effect June 01, 2025.
1. Suggested increase in minimum salary
Employers seeking for non-EU labour force will need to offer a monthly salary that aligns with the median wage of SEK 34 200.
This new requirement once approved would replace the previous income threshold, which corresponds to 80% of the Swedish median wage, introduced in November last year.
2. Exceptions
To prevent skill shortages in Sweden, the salary requirement will not apply to occupations which cannot be met by the domestic workforce. The government or a designated authority will determine which occupations are exempted based on a list provided by the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen).
Furthermore, researchers and students are to be exempted from the new minimum salary when transitioning from one type of permit to a work permit.
3. Exclusions
Certain occupational groups might be excluded from being able to apply for a work permit into Sweden. The list of these groups will be presented by the Migration Agency to the government on a yearly basis.
4. Change of permit
Asylum seekers would not need to leave the country to apply for work permits.
5. Requirement for Health Care insurance
People holding work permits with a validity of up to 12 months would not be included in the Swedish population register, thus would not be eligible for Swedish public healthcare. Therefore, the holders would have to get covered with health care insurance for their whole duration of stay in Sweden.
This summary was prepared using information form the Swedish Migration Agency (available in Swedish language).
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Sabrina Crespo (Team Leader, EMEA).
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