Foreign Airline Rejection Forces Malaysian Immigration to Suspend Issuing Passports Valid Beyond 10 Years

The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has put on hold the issuance of Malaysian International Passports (PMA) with a validity period of more than 10 years, following confusion during check-in with several foreign airlines.

Previously, we reported that Malaysia had introduced a new passport option with a validity period of up to 10 years, aimed at reducing the need for frequent renewals, especially for frequent travellers.

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Malaysian immigration addresses check-in issues faced by some passport holders

In a statement, JIM acknowledged the recent viral issue involving travel difficulties faced by several PMA holders with validity periods of more than 10 years.

To address the confusion, the department has decided to limit the maximum validity period of PMAs to 10 years and stop issuing passports with longer than 10 years’ validity period until further notice.

“The confusion arose when several PMA holders with validity periods of more than 10 years encountered issues during check-in with certain airlines overseas.

“The department has decided that the maximum validity period for PMAs will be limited to 10 years. This decision aims to standardise PMA validity periods and avoid confusion over the additional six-month validity requirement, which has been interpreted differently by some airlines,” the statement read.

“The measures will take effect immediately”

JIM added that the following measures will take effect immediately:

• The issuance of PMAs with validity periods of more than 10 years will be stopped until the issue is resolved with airlines and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Existing PMA holders whose passports are valid for more than 10 years will be offered a free passport replacement, with a maximum validity period of 10 years
• Affected PMA holders will be given priority when applying for a passport replacement

The department also said it will issue a notification letter to all airlines to help affected Malaysians travelling overseas.

“JIM remains committed to continuously improving the implementation of PMAs to make things easier for Malaysians and ensure international travel can be carried out more smoothly and efficiently.”

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Also read: Finally! Malaysia Officially Introduces 10-Year Passport Validity at RM350, Half Price for Senior Citizens