NOTIFICATION ON POSTPONEMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION FOR THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT POLICIES AND MANAGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

1.     PURPOSE:
1.1.   The Department of Higher Education (JPT) issued a circular (Ref: JPT (BEM) 1000/016/046 JLD.17 (14) dated 4^th September 2020 highlighting improvements to the policies and management of international students in Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia.
1.2.   The circular from the JPT outlined the implementation of several proposals and initiatives to improve the policies and management of international students at all Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia as agreed in a Cabinet Meeting dated 8^th November 2019.
1.3.   The Department of Higher Education (JPT) has now issued a new directive (Ref: JPT(BEM) on 8^th December 2020 to postpone the implementation of several items due to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation that is affecting the welfare of international students. This decision was based on the discussion led by JPT with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA), Immigration Department of Malaysia (IMI) and EMGS to review all the approved improvement proposals.
 
1.4.   The improvement initiatives that will be postponed until further notice is as stated below:
·  Diversifying evidence of student’s self-sufficiency for dependent pass application;
·  Permission for children or dependents of Diplomats to use Diplomatic Passports / Official Passports to apply for a student pass;
·  Issuance of One-Off Student Pass based on the entire course duration without being capped to a maximum period of 3 years; and
·  Permission for foreign government officials working in Malaysia to further their studies using Diplomatic Passports / Official Passports.

 
Education Malaysia Global Services
10^th December 2020