Immigration updates for Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia
Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong: Implementation of the e-Visa
On December 28, 2021, the Immigration Department (ImmD) implemented the “e-Visa” arrangement. This means an applicant for an entry visa/permit, extension of stay, or status change, will be issued with an e-Visa, such as a “Notification Slip for Entry Visa/Permit” or “Notification Slip for Conditions of Stay”. This will be issued upon application approval and relevant payment fee (where applicable).
The e-Visa is a collective term for the relevant notification slips in a PDF file format. These can be printed on paper or saved on mobile devices. With the implementation of the e-Visa arrangement, the ImmD has ceased issuing sticker-type physical labels for entry visa/permit and stay extension, etc.
e-Visa payment and collection:
For applications approved on or after December 28, 2021, applicants may pay online through the online payment link provided in the notification of the application result. The applicant can then download or print the e-Visa by themselves upon payment.
An e-Visa contains an encrypted QR code for verification of its information. This can be saved in soft copy on a personal mobile device or printed on a sheet of A4 white paper for inspection when necessary, by the immigration authorities.
Upon arrival clearance, an e-Visa holder should present their valid travel document, an exit endorsement issued by the relevant Mainland authorities (where applicable), the e-Visa issued, and scan the encrypted QR code on the e-Visa with the optical reader at an immigration counter.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Hong Kong (in Chinese).
Japan: Extended border restrictions
The Japanese Prime Minister has decided to maintain its strict border restrictions due to the increasing Omicron cases and the conditions of Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures under a quasi-state of emergency. This includes barring all new entries by foreign nationals until the end of February 28, 2022, unless there are special exceptional circumstances.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in English and Japanese).
Malaysia: MYENTRY exemption
Effective immediately, MYENTRY is exempted for expatriate/dependant/maid who has obtained pass approval from Malaysia Immigration to enter Malaysia for endorsement of pass, except:
- Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) and their dependant(s).
- Employment Pass (Category EP I, II and III).
- Professional Visit Pass (PVP).
- Dependant Pass to expatriate for all categories.
- Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) to expatriate for all categories.
- Foreign Maid to expatriate for all categories.
This is not applicable for short-term business travelers, diplomats, and foreign staff of embassy including their dependants and new foreign maids.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Implementation of e-Visa facility for expatriate / student / dependant with valid immigration approval
The use of the e-Visa has been extended to all the respective nationalities and made compulsory by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The traveler will need to apply for the Visa with Reference (VDR) through the MYVisa system (e-Visa) / Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General of Malaysia, in their respective countries.
The application can be submitted here. Failure to obtain a Visa prior to entry, the applicant can be denied entry into Malaysia and charged with ‘Not to Land’ (NTL) for deportation.
Impact
Previously travelers with Visa requirements were required to apply for the Visa physically at the Malaysia Embassy / Consulate /High Commission of the respective location. With this implementation, the Visa can be applied online via this link with shorter processing times of two days. This application must be done by the traveler themselves as the portal will detect the traveler location (country) by the IP address.
Travelers will not be able to register or login to their e-Visa account if they are applying from Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, or North Korea.
Visa for Reference must be submitted directly at the Malaysian embassy in these locations.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Quarantine exemption: Recovered Covid-19 traveler with complete vaccination
The Malaysian government have decided to exercise quarantine exemption for travelers who have been infected with Covid-19 within 11-60 days from arrival date and have fully completed Covid-19 vaccinations.
This measure is already in effect.
Travelers must meet the following condition:
- Receive a complete vaccine with proof of receipt or certificate.
- Present evidence of being infected with Covid-19 within 11-60 days prior to departure for Malaysia, through digitally printed laboratory test results.
- Travelers with a history of hospitalization due to Covid-19 infection must submit a ‘Fit to Travel’ letter from the medical practitioner at the hospital.
- Travelers who undergo isolation at a place of residence including a hotel because they are infected with Covid-19 and are not admitted to the hospital, must undergo a professional RTK antigen (Ag) screening test within two days before leaving for Malaysia. Only individuals with negative results are allowed to continue their journey.
Travelers must comply with the following requirements upon arrival in Malaysia:
- Download and fill out the health declaration in the MySejahtera application.
- Scan QR Code ‘Travelers from Abroad’ using MySejahtera upon arrival at the International Gateway.
- Undergoing health status screening including checking body temperature at the International Gateway.
- Undergo a Covid-19 detection test using RTK Ag in the presence of government or private health workers stationed at the International Gateway.
There are no changes on the quarantine requirement for travelers who have not been infected with Covid-19 and the government will announce any developments on the situation and new regulations for travelers when required.
No source available at the time of writing.
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 Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
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