Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Malaysia: Fast Track facility for foreign professionals
Foreign professionals who must urgently conduct critical tasks may enter Malaysia by using the Social Visit Pass (PLS) with the newly introduced PLS@Xpats facility. This facility allows professionals to stay and perform approved tasks in Malaysia for up to 30 calendar days.
No definition or guidelines on what qualifies as critical tasks have been issued thus far, but examples include, machine maintenance, electrical installations, and testing and commissioning of equipment and systems.
To utilize the facility, the sponsor in Malaysia must lodge an application via the PLS@Xpats portal and obtain approval before entry to Malaysia. The processing timeline is three working days upon lodgement of the application.
For now, this is valid for Peninsular Malaysia & Labuan only.
Impact
The PLS@Xpats is potentially a fast-track alternative to the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) for visits not exceeding 30 calendar days. It is also expected that the PLS@Xpats facility, being a PLS which is granted upon entry at the border checkpoint, will not have the Pass sticker affixation and Pass cancellation processes which are applicable for the PVP.
Conditions:
- Assignment duration in Malaysia cannot be more than 30 calendar days
- Foreign professional must be outside Malaysia when the application is made
- Application must be submitted by a local company, i.e., sponsor
- Work allowed to be performed restricted to that deemed to be critical tasks which have been declared and approved in the application
Visa Requirement: For citizens of countries who are required to apply for a visa prior to entry to Malaysia, they are required to obtain a Visa Without Reference (VTR) at the relevant Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General of Malaysia OR an eVisa  via this site.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
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).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
France: Online residence permit application
Individuals holding EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss passports including citizens residing in the country can file initial and renewal residence permit applications online, using the Administration Numerique des Etrangers en France (ANEF).
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Schengen Visa News.
Portugal: Remote work visa
A new employment-based visa for remote workers has been opened for remote workers and self-employed individuals. The visa will be valid for up to 120 days, with two entries allowed and is renewable for 90 days. To be eligible, a proof of residence and an income equivalent to 940 EUR must be presented. The processing time is up to 60 days.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Schengen Visa News.
United Arab Emirates: Shortened employment residence
The maximum employment residence permit validity has been shortened to two years. This is due to the recent changes in immigration regulations and other factors such as permit duration, visa category or applicant’s age. Once the immigration process is finalised, foreigners will be issued with an Emirates Identity Card with matching validity to the residence permit.
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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director).
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