Immigration immediately stops issuing passports with validity periods exceeding 10 years

The Immigration Department in Malaysia has ceased issuing International Passports (PMA) with validity extending beyond 10 years, following difficulties some travellers encountered during overseas trips. Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban revealed the decision stemmed from concerns that some Malaysian passport holders with extended validity periods faced issues during airline check-in procedures in foreign countries.

While the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had previously deemed passports with validity periods surpassing 10 years as non-concerning, Zakaria noted that airlines often interpreted international travel requirements, particularly the six-month validity rule, differently. Consequently, the department resolved to impose a maximum validity period of 10 years for Malaysian International Passports.

This move aims to prevent further confusion among travellers and ensure consistent application of passport validity requirements by airlines. The implementation of this decision includes a suspension of PMA issuance exceeding 10 years, pending further discussions with airlines and ICAO. Malaysian passport holders currently holding passports valid for more than 10 years will be permitted to replace them without charge, with the new passports adhering to the 10-year validity limit.

Zakaria emphasized that such passport holders would be given priority in the replacement process, and airlines would be notified to assist affected Malaysians overseas. The Immigration Department pledged to persist in liaising with relevant parties to address the issue and ensure Malaysians can traverse international borders without encountering unnecessary obstacles.