Malaysia has changed its Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) rules from September 1, 2026. The visa will no longer be available to people from all countries.
To which countries will the visa be available?
Under the new rules, the MEV will only be available to citizens of 31 selected countries. It will also be issued only for certain purposes.
These purposes include Fly & Cruise travel, business activities, medical treatment and wedding tourism.
People who are not from the selected countries or do not meet the approved purposes will not be able to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa under the new rules.
The new policy came into effect on September 1, 2026.
What is the new photo check for eVISA applications?
Malaysia has also introduced a new photo checking system for some eVISA applications.
The system applies to Visa with Reference (VDR) applications submitted through the MyVISA Portal. It started on July 1, 2026.
Under the new system, photos uploaded by applicants are checked automatically. The system checks whether the photo meets Malaysia’s visa photo rules.
Applicants must use a photo with a plain white or blue background. The background must be even and should not have patterns, objects or different shades.
Photos with shadows or reflections in the background are also not accepted.
If a photo fails the automatic check, the application will be sent to the relevant VDR Issuing Office for further review.
The new photo check only applies to VDR eVISA applications submitted through the MyVISA Portal.
UAE update on employment visas
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, a Police Character Certificate is mandatory for obtaining an employment visa for the UAE.
The UAE government has made a Good Conduct Certificate (Police Character Certificate) mandatory for all Pakistani employment visa applicants from July 20, 2026.
Applicants should get the certificate from the relevant authority in Pakistan and have it attested by the UAE Embassy in Pakistan.
The certificate should be obtained before submitting the visa application to avoid any delays or complications.