PETALING JAYA: All immigration services and processes will be fully back under the department’s management by 2025, including those currently handled by third-parties like MY E.G. Services Bhd (MyEG).
Immigration director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud said this will be through the implementation of the national integrated immigration system (NIISe), for which some RM900 million had been set aside by the home ministry.
According to NST, Khairul said NIISe was a “game-changer” which would improve the department’s efficiency as well as customer experience.
“I sometimes receive reports on technical glitches in the Malaysian Immigration System (myIMMs), which we have been using for almost 13 years. NIISe will replace the system within two years.
“NIISe will replace all immigration transactions, including visa, work permit and passport applications and renewals, as well as checks at airports and ports,” he said.
In July 2020, Putrajaya gave MyEG a three-year extension to manage the online renewal of foreign workers’ temporary employment passes. This contract is worth an estimated RM208 million, according to The Edge Markets.
Khairul said the new system will also put an end to long lines and prolonged waits at immigration counters in airports, as it would be automated.
“We will be able to reduce the number of manual counters from 38 (now) to 15, for example. More foreigners will also be allowed to use the e-gates.
“However, obviously, we can’t have all of them passing through the e-gates for security reasons,” he said.
The NIISe will involve the integration of databases of more than 20 agencies in the country, including the police and the national registration department (NRD).
Khairul said it would be easier to apply for passports, with the integrated database allowing the department to verify any information with the NRD.