IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? All non-MSC companies must submit 2016 foreign knowledge worker projections as soon as possible to avoid delays in hiring or renewals next year.

What does the change mean? Non-MSC companies are advised to file their FKW projections as soon as possible in order to avoid the end-of-year crush of applications. Projections must be submitted via the Expatriate Services Division online portal.

  • Implementation time frame:Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected:Employment passes, including renewals.
  • Who is affected: Non-MSC companies planning to hire or retain foreign knowledge workers in 2016.
  • Impact on processing times:Processing of FKW projections generally takes between four and six weeks, though processing times may be longer due to delays during the year-end holiday season and the anticipated backlog of filed projections.
  • Business impact: Businesses that file FKH projections improperly will face delays in recruiting and hiring foreign knowledge workers and renewal of existing employment passes in 2016 until the projections are correctly submitted and approved.

Background: FKW projections should be provided for four categories of workers: high-level managers, technical experts, mid-level managers and entry level/junior managers. The projections must include the expected number of new hires and renewals of existing employment passes in each category. FKW projections do not need to include estimates of the number of professional visit pass applications that a company may submit in 2016.

Companies in the information and communication technology industry holding MSC status are not required to submit the FKW projection. While the projections have been required in the past, this year marks the first year that they must be submitted through the Expatriate Services Division online portal.

BAL Analysis: Non-MSC companies are required to file FKW projections before they are permitted to file new or renewal employment pass applications. Affected companies should submit their projections as soon as possible in order to avoid delays. Contact your BAL professional if you are in need of assistance or have any questions.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Malaysia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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