Govt To Fast Track Expat Visa Applications

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Rafizi Ramli says applicants will be divided into two groups, with one eligible for fast-tracking based on their good track record and compliance.PUTRAJAYA: The government will fast-track the application process for expatriate visas, says economy minister Rafizi Ramli.
He said the process will be reduced from the three months it currently takes to just five days.
“We are aiming to shorten the length of the process as it is one of the obstacles, especially for investors who want to enter the country,” he told a press conference after a Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) meeting today.
Rafizi said the applicants will be divided into two groups, with one group eligible for fast-tracking due to the applicants’ good track record and compliance, as well as a long history with the country.
“The others that do not have a history with the country will be checked by the relevant departments. If they are eligible, they too will join the fast-tracked group,” he said.
The new application process is expected to come into effect in early June, he said.
Last month, Rafizi said the government was looking at simplifying and shortening the application process for expatriate visas. The current process, he said, took up to five or six months and had an impact on manpower planning and businesses.
The minister also said Pemudah was looking to standardise the planning permission application process managed by local authorities.
“At the moment, we have some local authorities taking 50 to 60 days to process an application, while others take up to 200 days.
“Pemudah has decided to pick one ‘agile process’ (practised by one local authority) and apply it to other local authorities across the country,” he said.
According to Rafizi, only Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) was able to process these applications within 58 days, so far.
He said the task force was also mulling how to create an ecosystem where local authorities who show efficiency and speed in approving similar applications are given priority for allocations at the federal level. - FMT

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