He said the new extended visa was part of the state’s efforts to solve immediate manpower needs and fill talent gaps while building local expertise, according to Dayak Daily.

He said the five-year working visa was introduced by Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg for professionals, not for labourers.

Sarawak has powers over immigration into the state, and currently offers a non-renewable professional visit pass valid for up to a year, and one-year or two-year working visas for skilled labour, renewable for up to 10 years.

Speaking in Kuching, Abdullah said professionals, including engineers, could now apply for a working visa valid for five years without annual renewal, “making it very convenient for them”.

He said Sarawak was willing to absorb professionals from West Malaysia for fields such as engineering, innovation, and scientific research. “The economy is to be shared throughout the country. If Sarawak prospers, the country prospers,” he said.

He also commended the state’s immigration and related agencies for their efficiency, especially in processing applications of specialists such as doctors and engineers.

The visa initiative is reportedly said to benefit major projects in sectors such as hydrogen, oil and gas derivatives and methanol production.