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 PVP — Which Pass Do You Need?
PLIK and PVP are two separate Sarawak passes with different document frameworks and use cases — not two names for the same thing. Here is how they compare.
PLIK — Specialist Visits
Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas
For one-off specialist assignments — a worker enters Sarawak to perform a specific, defined task, then leaves. The current standard for oil and gas seafarers.
- Best for:
- Offshore seafarers, equipment installation and commissioning, mining surveys, training and knowledge transfer
- Validity:
- Short-term, tied to the assignment
- Sponsor:
- A Sarawak sponsor; no paid-up capital tier
PVP — Project-Based Work
Sarawak Professional Visit Pass
For foreign professionals engaged on a defined, time-bound project for a Sarawak client — where a permanent Employment Pass would not fit.
- Best for:
- Project consultants and advisors, engineers on a defined installation project, auditors and inspectors, research and technology-transfer work
- Validity:
- 6 months, renewable once (12 months maximum)
- Sponsor:
- A registered Sdn. Bhd.; shares the Employment Pass eligibility framework
Quick rule: if the engagement looks like “fly in, do the job, fly out,” it is PLIK. If it is a defined project of up to 12 months for a Sarawak client, it is PVP. If the role is permanent, you need an Employment Pass instead. Our PLIK vs PVP vs EP comparison walks through it with worked examples.
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
PLIK for Sarawak Specialist Visits: A Practical Overview
When the Sarawak PLIK (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas) is the right pass for your specialist, what categories it covers, and how Citra Excel manages applications end-to-end.
PLIK vs PVP vs Employment Pass: Choosing the Right Sarawak Professional Pass
Confused between PLIK, PVP, and the Sarawak Employment Pass? A side-by-side comparison of all three Sarawak-issued professional passes, with worked examples for a UK consultant and a Chinese mechanical engineer.
Professional Visit Pass (PVP) Sarawak Guide
Learn about the Professional Visit Pass for Sarawak — who qualifies, what activities are covered, and how the application process works.
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?
They are two separate Sarawak passes, often confused because both translate to Professional Visit Pass in English. PLIK (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas) covers one-off specialist visits and is the current standard for oil and gas seafarers. PVP covers short-term project-based professional engagements and shares the Employment Pass eligibility framework.
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 PVP or PLIK?
No. Unlike general worker permits, PVP and 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 PVP and PLIK applications.
Julius Ting
Managing Director
Talk to Julius about PVP and PLIK applications.
Prefer email or a form? Contact us here.