Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says entry permits are granted under strict criteria to skilled professionals who add value without undermining local talent.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has assured that the issuance of entry permits to foreign nationals does not adversely affect the interests of Malaysians.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that approvals are strictly for qualified individuals who meet specific criteria under immigration laws.

He explained that the Immigration Order 1963 Schedule guides approvals for those with professional qualifications or expertise.

This is provided that local talent and manpower are not negatively impacted by their presence.

“So with their presence through the entry permit mechanism, their professional expertise provides added value and local talent can learn from their skills,” Saifuddin said in the Dewan Rakyat.

He added that their entry contributes to the country’s economic interests without undermining local professionals.

The minister emphasised that permits must comply with strict criteria positively contributing to high-impact national sectors.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) on aligning permit policies with strategic workforce needs.

On the status of entry permit reforms, Saifuddin said 15,081 applications were approved from a backlog of 19,205 cases for 2013 to 2023.

The remaining applications were rejected, though appellants may submit appeals for reconsideration.

He noted that 98% of 5,628 appeal cases from 2020 to 2024 have been resolved following instructions to clear all outstanding appeals this year.

New reforms include shortening the marriage duration requirement for foreign wives of Malaysian citizens.

The requirement has been reduced from five years to three years before they may apply for an entry permit.

Regarding digitalisation, Saifuddin said the myIMMs system used since 2013 is now considered outdated.

It will be replaced with the new National Integrated Immigration System, which is being implemented in phases.

He said the new system will reduce manual processes while enhancing transparency and service delivery efficiency.

 The Sun Malaysia