TALENTCORP ASKS FOREIGN PROFESSIONALS TO CHANGE EMPLOYMENT PASS TO RESIDENCE PASS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd
(TalentCorp) has asked top foreign talent and highly-skilled foreign
professionals to change their Employment Pass to the new Residence Pass.

It said the change was crucial to address the need for talents under Malaysia's economic tranformation programme.

"Introduction of the Residence Pass helps facilitate top foreign talents to commit to Malaysia for a longer term and contribute to our development," said TalentCorp chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican.

Compared to the previous Employment Pass, currently held by most
expatriates, the Residence Pass was a new immigration instrument which offers a longer tenure of five to 10 years of residence and work in Malaysia.

For the initial phase of implementation, Residence Pass applicants must hold a valid Employment Pass. The Residence Pass is targeted at world-class talents and thus, to secure approval, applicants must demonstrate a high level of professional achievements, supported by possession of relevant qualifications and work experience, especially in key economic sectors, as identified under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

Launched on Thursday, the Residence Pass also provides greater flexibility, as it is personal-to-holder and not tied to a specific employer.

The pass can also be issued to the spouse and children below 18 years old of successful applicants and enables the spouse of successful applicants to work in Malaysia as well.