The skilled worker visa application process has been shortened to five days from June this year compared to the current period of 87 days.
Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli said the application applies to new and renewal visa applications.
The Business Facilitation Special Task Force (PEMUDAH) aims to shorten this process because it is one of the obstacles and bureaucracy, especially for investors who want to enter Malaysia,” he said during a press conference after chairing the PEMUDAH meeting today (April 10).
The process will be combined into two stages to shorten the application period, he said adding: “It will be divided into two large groups, namely the group that has a good record and shows good compliance as well as having a long record of employing foreign workers. This group will be eligible to go through the accelerated application process and take five days from the current process which is 87 days.”
Rafizi explained the bureaucracy involving many committees is the cause of the application period reaching 87 days.
The government will also improve the existing system to help speed up visa applications for skilled workers.
In addition, Rafizi said, the second PEMUDAH meeting today also agreed to shorten and standardise the planning permission application period managed by local authorities (PBT).
He aims to shorten the application to at least 70 days.
“We hope this can create healthy competition for businesses as well to trigger efficiency in planning services.”
Previously, he said, the latest planning permission application period in all PBTs in all states was between 150 to 200 days. “So far only the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Citty Hall has processed the application quickly in 58 days,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rafizi said the government’s plan to implement a pilot project known as Akademi Dalam Industri was also discussed during the meeting.
The program will provide opportunities for industries in various fields to train skilled workers while at the same time determining the appropriate training module.
Rafizi said, as a start, 10 large companies will be involved in the program.
“The government will also provide certain incentives to facilitate the workforce, especially from outside the area, in addition to ensuring certification and work mobilization in certain industries,” he added.
He estimated that a total of 100,000 skilled workers will be involved in the national-level program later and will be joined by at least 10,000 companies in various fields.
