A special pass is a document issued to foreigners granting the holder the right to enter and stay in Malaysia for no more than 30 days.

Saifuddin said special passes are currently issued and applied for manually, meaning applicants need to submit documents in person.

“On average, 50% of the total transactions at the visa, pass and permit division’s social and professional visit pass counters are related to special pass applications. This has caused congestion.

“The eSP will help reduce congestion at counters,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

A total of 139,344 special passes were issued in 2023 while 119,019 special passes had been issued as of October this year.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said foreign nationals awaiting decisions for new applications, extensions or have experienced issues for other reasons deemed appropriate and reasonable can apply for the eSP.

However, he said his ministry will not compromise on security, saying applicants must meet the conditions and qualifications set in accordance with current policies in force and are required to upload the required supporting documents.

Saifuddin said each application will be carefully reviewed to ensure only foreigners who are truly eligible are granted eSPs.

Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements or whose applications are not approved will be instructed to go to the nearest immigration office for further inspection and clarification.