Malaysia’s controversial government-backed Education Malaysia Global Services has announced a streamlined visa processing system for foreign students applying to foreign branch campuses and private institutions. From October, a 14-day visa turnaround time is being promised.
The move comes after severe growing pains since EMGS was launched as a one-stop centre for foreign student visa processing in February, resulting in 60% of applications being delayed for months.
The new “Green Lane” system has been welcomed by foreign educators categorised Tier 5 in the country’s higher education rating system, Setara, even though the cost and efficiency of EMGS continues to raise concerns. This accreditation Tier 5 rating means that visa issuance is fast-tracked for recipient institutions.
EMGS CEO, Mohd Yazid Abd Hamid, confirmed that the new policy will rely on the self-accredited status of foreign and private institutions to vet the accreditation of courses in order to cut-down on processing duties at the EMGS and grant visas within 14 working days. Visas will also be issued for the duration of students’ stay rather then renewing them annually.
“The implementation of the ‘green lane’ system (which is similar to the UK’s highly trusted sponsor scheme) is a very welcome development and we very much appreciate the work that has gone into putting this system in place,” Christine Ennew, Provost at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus told The PIE News.
However Ennew added that the timing wasn’t ideal. “We are disappointed that implementation has been delayed until October, which is after our main annual intake,” she observed.
“We are disappointed that implementation has been delayed until October”
Earlier this year, Hamid admitted that the system was experiencing delays due to lack of personnel to vet the applications in the Immigration Department. As a result, educators have seen a drop in revenue.
“There are some major concerns with respect to the financial implications of the failure of significant numbers of students to secure visas (thus far this has cost us in excess of RM1.2m for this year alone),” confirmed Ennew.
In addition to delays in processing times, the system has also been criticised for charging both students and colleges high processing fees and giving Qualitas Medical Group Sdn Bhd a monopoly to conduct all health screenings for foreign students.
“At a system level, I continue to be concerned that the negative experiences of international students applying to study in Malaysia will damage Malaysia’s reputation as a hub for international higher education,” added Ennew.
