KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will allow expatriates in top management positions and medical tourists to enter the country without permission from the Immigration Department.
They however must undergo a Covid-19 screening test, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the decision was made at a Special Cabinet meeting on June 17, and would only allow expatriates with Employment Pass category 1 (EP1), Professional Visit Pass and Resident Talent Pass, such as holding a high management position in a company, to enter the country.
“The expatriates must undergo Covid-19 screening at their respective home countries before their departure or upon arrival in Malaysia if their country of origin does not offer a swab test.
“For those who test negative and originate from a country that has been identified as a green zone, they would not have to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine and only need to download the MySejahtera application.
“While those who test negative but arrive from a country identified as a red zone, they must be placed under the government’s mandatory 14-day quarantine at their homes and download the MySejahtera application,” he said.
Ismail who is the Defence Minister said the countries listed as Covid-19 red and green zones would be identified and their list would be issued by the Health Ministry and updated from time to time.
He said foreign visitors arriving in the country for medical tourism purposes must go through the Health Ministry and register with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) as well as undergo a Covid-19 screening test in their home country prior to their arrival in Malaysia.
“They are also allowed to enter without registering with the Immigration Department and also would not be required to be placed under quarantine as they would be hospitalised straight for treatment.
“These medical tourists are also allowed to bring one guardian who must undergo the screening test and both are required to download the MySejahtera application,” he said.
On expatriates with EP2 and EP3 category passes, Ismail said the Immigration Department is considering their entry into Malaysia while ensuring they maintain the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) for the time being.
“For technical experts who are needed to repair machines, ships, and others, they must apply online for the Professional Visit Pass via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
“Since they work in an enclosed space or with few colleagues and their expertise is needed in the country, they must undergo the Covid-19 screening test at their home country or upon arrival in Malaysia and download the MySejahtera application,” he said.
Source: New Straits Times
