My last post on this topic was in 2018 and sadly all that I foretold with the Federal MM2H has occurred and worse. In 2019 the Government suspended applications for MM2H and froze most already submitted applications. In 2021 the Malaysian Immigration Deartment took over MM2H from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and introduced a number of draconiun requirements for MM2H. After much protest the Home Minister eventually backed down and allowed those already on the program to renew under the old requirements except at renewal when they had to a) prove that they were residing in Malaysia for a minimum of 90 days each year, and b) paid the RM 500/year visa fee (up from RM90). Otherwise all other provisions, he has promised would be the same for RENEWAL. Immigration did end the suspension of the program in November 2021 and a few applicants that had previously been denied entry were allowedunder the old terms
NEW APPLICANTS UNDER MM2H: In addition to the above noted residency and visa fee increases, NEW applicants have to now prove either a) RM40,000 foreign income or pension, AND b) RM1.5million in foreign liquid assets, AND c) place a RM 1 million Fixed Ringgit Deposit in a Malaysian Bank. For every dependent anotherr RM50,000 must be added. There will alo be a RM5000 Processing fee (+RM2500/dependent). The visa has been reduced from 10 years to 5 years + 5 years renewable. The applicant must purchase an appropriate Health Insurance policy covering Malaysia, there will increased scrutiny with a Letter of GoodBehaviour and a complete Health check/tests (blood, urine, chest Xray) mandatory. The target is to eliminate other naions using the MM2H Program "duming foreigners into Malaysia" and to insure that the program targets "quality applicants" such as high income personalities and retirees".
SARAWAK MM2H had independently made some revisions in September 2020. They never supended their program although submission of appliction was difficult for non-resident expats during the Covid travel restriction. As of May 1, 2022 those retrictions have been lifted for fully vaccinated visitors.
The S-MM2H Retains the RM90 annual vis fee, don't require a processing fee nd retains more flexibility of options. For example, one can submit EITHER proof of foreign income (RM10,000/month couples) OR a proof of government-sponsored (insured?) pension of the same amount, OR an applicant can establish a Fixed Depoit in a Sarawak bank. So there are actually three means one can use to prove financial stability - Income, Pension, or FD. For income one has to dmonstrate bank deposits ad pay slips for the previous six months.
In addition a single applicant only needs to fulfill RM7000 income/pension per month OR establish a FD of RM150K (a couple needs RM300K, though there are generous withdrawal opportunities for vehicle purchase, roperty purchase, medical bills or kids tuition in Sarawak).
There is no proof of foreign asset requirement in Sarawak. They now require a Letter of Good Conduct from the home country or nation of domicile. They also require proof of sufficient insurance unless one is above 55 and cannot find an affordable policy plan (one still may be required to demonstrate insurance for dependents)..
The Sarawak government also allowed licensed Sarawak agents. So one no longer need to find a Sarawakian sponsor (one still can apply this way, though).
Previously the program was restricted to those over 50, or to applicants 35+ with children enrolled in Sarawak school. They have added another category Those 40-50 who purchase a RM600K property in Sarawak now can submit applications under the above financial terms.
Instead of a 90 Day residency requirement for MM2H, Sarawak MM2H only has a 15/day/annum stay requirement. Visa term has been cut to 5 years + 5 years so they can check to see if one is meeting the visitation requirement by visa stamps.
If you get an S-MM2H one can live on the Pensinsula or even abroad provided you make your annual 15 day pilgrimage. One can, however reside in Sarawak year-round and purchase residential property in Sarawak if one chooses to.
So S-MM2H is still very affordable, and may perhap be one of the best retirement visa/long-tay via programs in SE Asia. Sarawak is very safe re, crime/terrorism, has stble weather year-round, and is outside the earthquake,tsuanmi, volcano, typhoon/monsoon belt. Lot of nature,and enough malls, restaurants, shops, festivals and other sights that one can easily be entertained yer-round. Good school and European/American/ Australian credentialed medical specialists, English is used as a common medium in most cities and even in rural communities.
Sarawak was an independent nation for over 100 years (under the "White Rajah" Brooke dynasty) and still hold that it has autonomy over immigration, tourism, health care, education and many other areas of law and government.
https://youtu.be/F2Gw1NoDaG0
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