Malaysia Introduces Mandatory Photo Verification for Employment Pass and Dependant Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, August 28, 2026 — Malaysian officials have implemented a new photo-verification process for specific applications filed via the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Expatriate Services Division (ESD) systems, enhancing compliance measures for foreign workers and their dependents.

The changes require all photographs submitted with Employment Pass and related Dependant Pass applications to be verified through the eVISA portal, ensuring they match passport and supporting documents while complying with eVISA/MyVisa specifications.

Published: August 28, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Malaysia introduces mandatory photo verification for Employment Pass and Dependant applications from August 2026

Key Changes at a Glance

System	New Requirement	Key Feature
MDEC	Images need to be validated via the eVISA portal	Verification is immediate and must align with the passport and supporting documents
ESD	Photo verification introduced	Accessible directly through a link within ESD portal for seamless experience

How the New System Works

For MDEC Applications

• Photographs submitted with Employment Pass and Dependant Pass applications must now be verified through the eVISA portal

• Verification is instant

• Photos must match the applicant's passport and supporting documents

• Photos must comply with eVISA/MyVisa specifications

• Noncompliant photographs may delay the subsequent eVISA application

Important: The eVISA application can only be initiated after MDEC approves the underlying application. Any photo issues will therefore cause delays at a critical stage.

For ESD Applications

• A comparable photo verification process has been introduced

• Applicants and employers can reach the eVISA verification platform directly via a link found within the ESD portal.

• This provides a more seamless user experience compared to the MDEC process

Photo Specifications

To avoid delays, photographs must comply with eVISA/MyVisa specifications, including:

Requirement	Details
Background	White background
Format	JPEG/JPG format
Size	2MB – 10MB
Dimensions	500x500 pixels (minimum)
Clothing	No hats, sunglasses, or uniforms (unless religious)
Head Position	Full face, centered, neutral expression

What This Means for Employers and Applicants

Impact	Details
MDEC Users	Must ensure photos are verified before initiating eVISA application
ESD Users	Can verify directly through portal link, reducing delays
Both Systems	Noncompliant photos will delay processing
Dependants	Same verification requirements apply

Read Also

• Malaysia Raises Labour Market Test Exemption Salary Threshold to MYR 20,000, Aligning with New Employment Pass Framework

• Malaysia Defers Succession Plan Requirement for ESD and MDEC Employers to January 2027 – Significant Relief for Companies Hiring Foreign Talent

• Malaysia Reinstates Review Process for Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) Projections Effective May 25, 2026: What Employers and HR Teams Need to Know

Official Resources

Resource	Link
MDEC Official Portal	mdec.my
ESD Official Portal	esd.imi.gov.my
eVISA Portal	imigresen-online.imi.gov.my

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