Malaysia is making a strong play to entice skilled foreign workers into the country, by offering a ten year residency pass.
Unlike current employment passes, holders of the new ten year residency pass will not be tied to one employer, they will be free to move from roles should they wish to. The pass will also allow the holder's spouse or partner to enter Malaysia and work.
Malaysian Prime Minster Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the following when launching the Talent Corporation Malaysia scheme: “It (the pass) can be issued for a period of 10 years. Spouses of resident pass holders can also seek employment in Malaysia. We welcome highly-skilled foreign talent who are able to work with us in driving Malaysia’s economic transformation.” He also added the pass can be renewed if desired.
The Malaysian government also hopes to bring back native Malaysian's who have moved abroad. A number of Malaysians have left the country to meet international success, including famed fashion designer Jimmy Choo and Proffessor Danny Quah, department head at the London School of Economics.