Professional Visit Pass (PVP) Guide for Sarawak
Published by Citra Excel
Need to bring a foreign professional to Sarawak for a short-term assignment? The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is designed for exactly this — allowing skilled foreigners to carry out specific professional activities for a limited period.
What Is a Professional Visit Pass?
A PVP allows a foreign professional to enter and work in Sarawak for a defined period. Unlike an Employment Pass, it is not for permanent or long-term employment — it is for specific, time-bound professional assignments. It is commonly used in the oil and gas sector, maritime and seafarer operations, and for specialists on project-based work.
Eligible Activities
The PVP covers professional activities such as:
- Technical work — installation, commissioning, maintenance, or repair of machinery and equipment
- Training and knowledge transfer — training local staff on new systems or processes
- Consulting and advisory — providing professional advice or consultancy services
- Research and development — conducting research projects or studies
- Technology transfer — implementing new technology or systems
- Auditing and inspection — professional audits or quality inspections
What PVP Is NOT For
The PVP cannot be used for permanent employment, unskilled labour, domestic work, or any activity that should fall under a different pass category. If the role is ongoing and does not have a clear end date, an Employment Pass is likely the correct option instead.
Requirements
For the Professional
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Relevant professional qualifications or technical certifications
- Clean record — no immigration violations or criminal history
- The PVP must be approved before the professional enters Malaysia
For the Sponsor Company
- Must be registered and operating in Sarawak
- Must have a legitimate business need for the professional's services
- Must be the official sponsor of the PVP application
- Must provide supporting documents including company registration, project details, and a letter explaining the purpose of the visit
How PVP Differs from an Employment Pass
| Feature | Professional Visit Pass | Employment Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term professional assignment | Long-term professional employment |
| Duration | Up to 6 or 12 months depending on category | Up to 24 months, renewable |
| Dependants | Generally not available | May be eligible |
| Scope | Specific project or task | Ongoing role with the company |
The General Process
1. Document collection
Gather all required documents from both the sponsor company and the professional.
2. Application submission
Submit the PVP application through the proper immigration channels in Sarawak.
3. Security bond
A security bond is required as part of the application process.
4. Approval and entry
Once approved, the professional can enter Sarawak and begin the approved activities.
Key Rules
- The PVP must be approved before the professional enters Malaysia
- The professional must be sponsored by a Malaysian company — individual applications are not accepted
- A PVP for Sarawak is not valid for Peninsular Malaysia, and vice versa
- The professional must only carry out the activities specified in the application
- The pass is non-transferable between companies
- Extensions or continued assignments require a fresh application — the PVP is not renewed but re-applied for
Note: The PVP/PLIK application process is being integrated into Sarawak's new digital immigration platform. While the core requirements remain the same, application procedures may evolve. Contact your agency for the most current submission process.
Need a professional on a short-term assignment? Citra Excel handles PVP applications for companies in Sarawak. Contact us and we will take care of the process from start to finish.
Our website and its contents are provided for general information purposes only and nothing on this website or in its contents is intended to provide professional advice. Please contact us at hello@citra-excel.com or +6011-1113 8685 for more information.
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