PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department is targetting to collect more than RM5 billion in revenue this year through its various programmes, including the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), said caretaker Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said as of last Wednesday, the department recorded a collection of RM 4.8 billion, which exceeded this year's target of RM3.5 billion.
"This revenue is generated from the employment levy ... we expect revenue collection of more than RM5 billion because we have also started the PVIP programme.
"The PVIP campaign is actively carried out abroad to attract foreigners to invest in the country," he told a press conference after launching the digital pass (ePASS) at the Immigration Department's Monthly Assembly here today.
The PVIP, launched by Hamzah last Sept 1, aims to attract the interest of foreign tycoons to invest and settle down in Malaysia for a period of 20 years.
The 'Residency Through Investment' programme aims to attract more foreign direct investment that will strengthen the economy and increase job opportunities for locals.
On the launch of the ePASS today, Hamzah said it involved the issuance of a digital pass for Temporary Work Visit Pass (PLKS) in all sectors.
"The issuance of this ePASS is for the extension period of the existing one, while the PLKS sticker is still being used for the issuance of the first pass," he added.
He said the issuance of the ePASS is made in two forms, namely in Portable Document Format (PDF), which can be uploaded by users of digital devices, and the physical form which can be printed and attached together with the passport.
"The verification of the ePASS can be done through the Immigration Department's portal by scanning the QR code on the ePASS," he said, adding that the application for the ePASS application is through the Immigration Department's official portal.
According to Hamzah, a total of 57,167 ePASSes have been issued since the ePASS service was offered beginning Sept 6. — BERNAMA