How will Malaysia’s 2026 passport upgrade and MyKad security changes affect Malaysia Employment Pass (ESD) applications and expat onboarding?
Malaysia’s 2026 passport upgrade and phased MyKad security changes may create a “mixed-document” period where old and new IDs circulate at once—triggering ESD queries, re-uploads, and longer Employment Pass timelines. Employers should plan buffers from late 2025, tighten document control, and treat bank KYC and payroll onboarding as part of immigration readiness.










