Immigration pauses issuing passports with over 10 years’ validity

The immigration department in Malaysia has temporarily halted issuing passports with a validity period exceeding 10 years due to confusion with certain airlines over passport requirements. Director-General Zakaria Shaaban stated that the issues were largely due to misunderstandings with airlines regarding the need for at least six months' validity remaining for travel.

Despite the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirming there were no restrictions on passports with more than 10 years' validity, the department decided to limit new passports to a maximum validity of 10 years. Existing passport holders with passports valid for more than 10 years will receive a free replacement, with the new passport carrying a maximum validity of 10 years.

These passport holders are given priority in the replacement process. The department plans to notify all airlines to facilitate travel for affected Malaysians. A social media user reported difficulties for some Malaysian travelers returning from Zimbabwe due to passports with 10 years and six months' validity, which they had renewed six months before the expiration date.