KL speeds up expat permit approval

KL speeds up expat permit approval

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Labor-starved Malaysia simplified yesterday procedures for expatriates to apply for work permits as part of efforts to hasten approvals following complaints from local industries.

Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that "authorities and agencies responsible for supervising certain sectors of the economy" had been given permission from this month to approve expatriate work permits.

The immigration department would then endorse the approvals and issue the relevant documents to the applicants, Anwar told reporters after launching the country's first life reinsurance firm.

"This new arrangement should streamline procedures and speed up the processing of work permits. It shows our seriousness in wanting the participation of skilled people in our dynamic economy," he added.