Professional Visit Pass (PVP) & PLIK in Sarawak
Sarawak issues two short-term professional passes that are easily confused, because both translate to “Professional Visit Pass” in English: PLIK (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas), for one-off specialist visits, and PVP, for project-based professional engagements. Citra Excel files both — most of our work is PLIK for the oil and gas sector and offshore seafarers.
PLIK processing
~6 weeks
PVP validity
Up to 12 months
Eligibility
Any nationality
PLIK or an Employment Pass — Which Do You Need?
First, a clarification that saves a lot of wasted time: PLIK and PVP are not two passes. Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas translates as Professional Visit Pass, so the acronym and the English name refer to the same thing. The real decision is between PLIK and an Employment Pass, and it turns on whether the work has an end date.
PLIK — Specialist and Project Work
Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas, also called the Professional Visit Pass
For defined, time-bound specialist work. A specialist enters Sarawak to perform specific work and leaves when it is done. The current standard for oil and gas seafarers.
- Best for:
- Offshore seafarers, equipment installation and commissioning, mining surveys, auditors and inspectors, training and knowledge transfer
- Validity:
- Up to 6 months, tied to the assignment. No renewal instrument; each further period is a fresh application, filed from 3 months before expiry
- Sponsor:
- A Sarawak sponsor, or a Letter of Award from a Sarawak client. No paid-up capital tier
- Dependants:
- Not available
Employment Pass — Permanent Roles
EP1 or EP2
For an ongoing professional role with a Sarawak company, where there is no end date and the person is genuinely employed here.
- Best for:
- Managers, engineers and professionals filling a permanent position
- Validity:
- 1-year terms; EP1 renewable up to 5 times, EP2 renewable once
- Sponsor:
- A registered Sdn. Bhd. meeting the paid-up capital tier
- Dependants:
- EP1 holders may sponsor dependants
Quick rule: if the work has a finish line, it is PLIK. If the role would still exist next year with nobody in it, you need an Employment Pass. Filing a permanent role as a specialist visit is one of the more expensive mistakes here, because it comes back after the committee review rather than before it.
Who This Is For
Oil & Gas
- •Technical specialists and engineers
- •Project consultants
- •Offshore platform personnel
- •Equipment installation specialists
Maritime & Seafarers
- •Ship crew and seafarers
- •Marine engineers
- •Port operations specialists
- •Vessel inspection personnel
Rules That Apply to Both Passes
- •The pass must be approved before the worker enters Malaysia
- •Open to any nationality — there is no source-country restriction
- •The worker may only carry out the activities specified in the application
- •The pass is non-transferable between sponsors or companies
- •No dependant passes — neither PLIK nor PVP allows family members to be sponsored
What We Handle
- •Application preparation — compile supporting documents and submit to authorities
- •Government liaison — follow up with immigration on your application
- •Pass collection — coordinate endorsement and pass issuance
- •Renewals and extensions — manage pass renewals as needed
Related Guides
Why Sarawak Has Its Own Immigration System
Learn why Sarawak has its own immigration system, how it differs from Peninsular Malaysia, and what this means for employers hiring foreign workers.
PLIK (Professional Visit Pass) in Sarawak: The Complete Guide
PLIK and PVP are one Sarawak pass, not two. Expert categories, sector support letters, validity, the JKPLIK committee timeline, and how applications actually run.
Sarawak Employment Pass (EP) Guide
Everything employers need to know about applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Sarawak for skilled professionals, managers, and expatriates.
Types of Work Passes in Sarawak
Understand the different types of work passes available in Sarawak: foreign worker permits, domestic helper licences, employment passes, and professional visit passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PVP and PLIK?
There is none. PLIK stands for Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas, which translates directly as Professional Visit Pass. Two names, one Sarawak pass. The acronym is what appears on JIMS paperwork.
Who qualifies for a Professional Visit Pass in Sarawak?
Foreign nationals carrying out professional, specialist, or teaching activities in Sarawak. This includes oil and gas engineers, marine specialists, offshore personnel, and technical consultants.
Is there a nationality restriction for PLIK?
No. Unlike general worker permits, PLIK applications are open to any nationality.
How long does a PLIK application take?
PLIK processing typically takes around six weeks, depending on the activity, documentation, and immigration processing times.
Need a Professional Visit Pass?
Speak directly to the specialist who handles PLIK applications.
Julius Ting
Managing Director
Talk to Julius about PLIK applications.
Prefer email or a form? Contact us here.