Malaysia introduces new overstay fines for employment and dependent pass holders

Malaysia has introduced new measures to manage visa overstays, targeting holders of Employment Passes and Dependent Passes. Under the Overstay Management Program, foreign workers and their dependents who overstay for up to 90 days will now face fines rather than automatic referral to the Immigration Enforcement Division.

The fines are structured in tiers: MYR 30 per day for overstays of 1–30 days, MYR 1,000 for 31–60 days, and MYR 2,000 for 61–90 days. Previously, overstays exceeding 30 days were referred to the Overstay Investigation Paper (OIP) process. In addition, the Special Pass fee for non-OIP cases has increased from MYR 100 to MYR 200 per application.

Cases involving overstays longer than 90 days, repeat offenses, Special Pass holders, or individuals on the Suspect List will continue to be referred to the Enforcement Division. This process requires the company representative, foreign national, and any dependents to be physically present at the immigration office, as it is considered complex and intensive.

Authorities have advised companies and pass holders to submit renewal or extension applications at least three months before the pass expires to avoid penalties.