Overstay in Malaysia? New Program Lets You Pay Fines up to 90 Days

Malaysia has rolled out a new Overstay Management Program to make it easier for foreign workers and their dependents to handle short overstays without facing heavy penalties or complicated investigations.

Simple Fines for Short Overstays

Under the new Overstay Management Program, those who hold Employment Passes and Dependent Passes and have overstayed for up to 90 days can now simply pay a fine instead of being referred to the Immigration Enforcement Division.

Earlier, anyone who stayed more than 30 days beyond their pass validity was referred for investigation under the Overstay Investigation Paper (OIP) process.

What Has Changed

Alongside this change, the Special Pass fee, which allows foreigners to stay temporarily while waiting for a decision, has been increased from MYR 100 to MYR 200 per application.

However, not all cases qualify for the new simplified system. Overstays beyond 90 days, repeat offences, Special Pass holders, or those with immigration offence records will still be handled by the Enforcement Division.

This process is more detailed and requires company representatives and dependents to appear in person at the immigration office.

What Travellers Should Do

To avoid fines or complications, companies and foreign nationals should start renewing or extending their passes at least three months before the current one expires.

Who Announced It

It is important to note that the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has confirmed the implementation of this program. However, the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) hasn’t issued a formal notice yet, but is already following the same procedures.

Final Thoughts

Malaysia’s Overstay Management Program is designed to make things smoother for genuine workers and their families who face short delays in renewing their passes. Still, timely planning remains the best way to avoid penalties and paperwork.