Comprehensive Guide on the Professional Visit Pass

A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a temporary work authorization granted by a host country, typically to foreign professionals or experts intending to perform specific work-related tasks for a limited period. This article will focus on the Professional Visit Pass, with a particular emphasis on Malaysia’s system, its checklist, requirements, and related processes such as multiple entries and cancellation.

What is a Professional Visit Pass?

A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) allows foreign nationals to engage in short-term professional activities or services without the need for a full work visa. It is distinct from employment permits, as it is usually designed for temporary, project-based, or consultancy-related tasks that fall within a specific timeframe, typically up to 12 months, though it may vary by country.

Common professions eligible for a Professional Visit Pass include engineers, consultants, technical experts, specialists, and sometimes even academic researchers or corporate trainers. In Malaysia, this pass is commonly granted to professionals hired by companies to offer specialized services, training, or skills transfer.

Types of Professional Visit Pass

The PVP is versatile and may apply to various professionals depending on the host country’s rules. In Malaysia, for example, there are different PVP categories based on the type of service or expertise involved. These include:

1. Consultancy Services: For experts hired to offer consultation in a specialized field, often in technology, engineering, or management.
2. Technical and Maintenance Services: For foreign nationals tasked with installing, repairing, or maintaining equipment.
3. Training and Skills Transfer: For professionals involved in knowledge transfer or specialized training to local staff.
4. Short-Term Professional Engagements: For brief work engagements, such as project management, inspections, or specialized advising.

Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the Professional Visit Pass is regulated by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The PVP allows foreign professionals to enter Malaysia to provide temporary services under a Malaysian company. These services are typically non-competitive with local labor, ensuring that the presence of foreign professionals benefits Malaysia’s economy and workforce without displacing local talent.

Requirements for a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia

To apply for a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia, applicants must fulfill several key requirements:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   • The applicant must have an employer or sponsor in Malaysia who requires their expertise or service.
   • The applicant must demonstrate that their work in Malaysia is temporary and specialized.
   • The applicant must hold qualifications and experience relevant to the role they are visiting for.
2. Required Documents:
   • A valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended duration of stay.
   • A letter from the Malaysian sponsor: This letter should explain the nature of the services being provided, the duration, and why the foreign national is necessary for the role.
   • Employment or assignment contract: Details of the project or work contract with the Malaysian employer.
   • Work permit approval from the relevant ministry or agency: Depending on the nature of the work, this could be from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, or others.
   • Medical clearance certificate: Some applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination to prove they are fit to work.
   • Visa processing fee: A fee may be charged based on the country of origin and duration of the pass.
3. Additional Conditions:
   • The pass is issued for specific projects or tasks and may not allow the holder to engage in other employment.
   • The PVP is valid for a maximum of 12 months and is renewable if the need for the foreign national’s service continues.

Multiple Entry Professional Visit Pass

For professionals who need to enter and exit Malaysia multiple times during their assignment, a multiple entry Professional Visit Pass can be issued. This is especially useful for individuals involved in ongoing consultancy or project-based work that requires frequent travel in and out of Malaysia. The process to obtain this type of PVP is similar to that of a single-entry PVP, but the applicant must provide justifications for the need for multiple entries, such as the nature of the project or business meetings in other countries.

Professional Visit Pass Malaysia Checklist

Before applying for a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia, applicants should ensure they have the following items:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the stay.
• Letter from the Malaysian company: Describing the work and the duration of the visit.
• Project or service contract: With a detailed outline of the work.
• Work permit approval: From the relevant government department.
• Application form: Filled in as per immigration department requirements.
• Medical certificate: If necessary.
• Visa fee: Payment as required.

How to Apply for a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify a Malaysian Sponsor: Ensure you have an employer or business partner in Malaysia who is willing to sponsor your visit and file the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
2. Submit the Required Documents: The sponsor will assist in gathering the required documents, including a support letter explaining the need for your visit.
3. Application to Immigration Department: The sponsor will submit the application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for review. The processing time varies but typically takes 7 to 14 working days.
4. Receive PVP Approval: If approved, the applicant will receive their PVP, which is either a single or multiple-entry pass depending on the case.
5. Collect Visa: The applicant can collect the PVP and commence their professional engagement in Malaysia. Upon entering the country, the individual must ensure compliance with all immigration rules.

Cancelling a Professional Visit Pass

In some cases, it may be necessary to cancel a Professional Visit Pass. This usually happens if the project ends earlier than expected, or if the professional needs to return to their home country before the expiration of their pass.

To cancel a PVP, the Malaysian sponsor must notify the Immigration Department and provide reasons for the cancellation. A formal cancellation letter and any unused portions of the visa must be returned. Additionally, the foreign national may be required to leave the country within a specified time frame after the cancellation.

Common steps for cancellation include:

1. Inform the Immigration Department: The Malaysian employer or sponsor initiates the cancellation process.
2. Submit Cancellation Documents: Provide a letter of cancellation and return the original PVP.
3. Exit Malaysia: The foreign national must leave Malaysia within the stipulated period after the pass is canceled.

Conclusion

The Professional Visit Pass is an essential tool for foreign professionals looking to offer temporary services in Malaysia. It allows skilled professionals to contribute to Malaysia’s economy by sharing expertise while ensuring that the local workforce remains protected. Whether you’re planning to apply for a single or multiple-entry PVP, it is crucial to understand the requirements and follow the immigration guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Always stay informed of any changes to regulations and processes to make your professional visit to Malaysia as seamless as possible.