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.