LONG – TERM SOCIAL VISIT PASS: NOT AN ORDINARY VISIT PASS
1. Introduction
The Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) is a specific immigration pass issued by the Department of Immigration Malaysia. Unlike a standard tourist visa, which is for short-term leisure visits, the LTSVP is designed for eligible foreigners who wish to reside in Malaysia for an extended period due to family ties or specific social reasons. Its purpose and the privileges it grants elevate it beyond an “ordinary” visit pass.
2. Key Characteristics That Define Its Uniqueness
The LTSVP stands out due to its several distinctive features:
(i) Longevity and Stability: As the name implies, it is a long-term pass, typically issued for an initial duration of five(5)years. It is renewable, offering stability and peace of mind for holders and their Malaysian sponsors, unlike short-stay tourist visas.
(ii) Tied to a Sponsor: The LTSVP is not granted based on the applicant’s employment or business. Instead, it is sponsor-dependent. The sponsor must be a Malaysian citizen or Permanent Resident(PR)who has a qualifying relationship with the applicant (e.g., spouse, child, parent etc).
(iii) Social, Not Economic, Purpose: The primary purpose is social integration and family unity. Holders are expressly prohibited from working in Malaysia unless they obtain a separate work permit/endorsement from the relevant authorities. This distinguishes it clearly from employment passes (EPs).
3. Primary Eligibility Categories
The pass is typically granted under these main categories, highlighting its role in maintaining family bonds:
(i) Spouse of a Malaysian Citizen/PR: For foreign nationals married to Malaysians.
(ii) Children (below 18 years) of a Malaysian Citizen/PR: For dependent children to live with their family.
(iii) Parents of a Malaysian Citizen: For elderly parents to be cared for by their child in Malaysia.
(iv) Foreign Pass Holder’s Dependent: For the spouse and children of an expatriate holding a valid Employment Pass (EP) or Resident Pass (RP-T).
4. Conclusion
The Long-Term Social Visit Pass is more than just a visit pass. It is fundamentally a mechanism for family cohesion and social stability. It is not a tool for economic activity but a legal framework that acknowledges the importance of keeping families together. By providing a secure and prolonged legal status, it allows individuals to build a life within the Malaysian social fabric, making it far from an ordinary pass—it is a key to long-term residence and family life in Malaysia.
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