Quick answer: If an Employment Pass renewal is rejected, the company has 14 days from the date of rejection by the Expatriate Committee to appeal through ESD Online. First check the reason: since 1 June 2026 a renewal must meet the revised minimum basic salary for the category, and outstanding tax must be settled in full. Appeals take up to 30 working days, and the pass holder must not rely on an appeal to extend stay beyond what Immigration permits.
- Appeal within 14 days of the rejection date.
- Renewals received on or after 1 June 2026 follow the revised salary policy.
- Outstanding tax must be fully settled before renewal.
- An appeal takes up to 30 working days for a complete submission.
- The application fee is non-refundable once an appeal starts.
First Seven Days
Read the rejection
Note the rejection date and the stated reason.
Check the common causes
Salary below the category minimum, unsettled tax, document gaps or changes in the post.
Decide whether to appeal
Appeal only if you have grounds or new evidence.
Prepare the appeal
Justification letter, organisation chart and EPF contribution statement.
Submit within 14 days
Through ESD Online, signed by the authorised endorser.
Likely Causes on Renewal
| Cause | Check |
|---|---|
| Salary below the 2026 minimum | RM20,000, RM10,000 or RM5,000 basic for the category |
| Outstanding tax | Must be paid in full. CP38 instalments are not acceptable |
| Missing documents | Latest payslips, tax documents and EA form |
| Change in post | Job title or scope changed from the original approval |
Appeal Facts
| Item | Position |
|---|---|
| Time to appeal | 14 days from the Expatriate Committee's rejection |
| Appeal fee | None, but the application fee is non-refundable once appealed |
| Editing | Not possible after submission |
| Decision time | Up to 30 working days |
| After EC-A rejection of an EP | The company may refer the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, subject to its procedures |
Protect the Employee's Status
While a decision is pending, check the employee's current pass expiry and the rules on stay. Do not assume that an appeal extends permission to remain. If the pass expires, overstaying carries penalties under the Immigration Act, so plan an exit or a valid alternative with Immigration.
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Missing the 14-day window
Late appeals are not accepted.
Appealing without new grounds
State why the decision should change.
Letting the pass lapse
Overstay carries penalties.
How We Help
What we handle for you
Before you apply
- Check that your company meets the requirements and that the post and salary fit the right category.
- Prepare your business plan and financial plan from your company idea or business model, where the application needs one.
Application
- Prepare and submit the pass application and respond to Immigration's queries.
Why companies choose us
End-to-end under one roof
- We handle company incorporation, accounting and payroll as well as expatriate pass applications, so your structure, payroll and hiring plan stay aligned.
- The company is set up correctly from day one.
We check before you invest
- We confirm eligibility, including whether you can hire the expatriates you need, before a foreign investor decides to incorporate in Malaysia.
- Neutral Consulting PLT is a Kuala Lumpur firm led by a Managing Partner who is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers.
What should I do if my Employment Pass renewal is rejected?
Check the reason, then appeal through ESD Online within 14 days if you have grounds.
How long do I have to appeal?
14 days from the Expatriate Committee's rejection.
Why would a renewal be rejected?
Common causes include salary below the 2026 minimum, unpaid tax or document gaps.
Does the 2026 salary rule apply to renewals?
Yes, for renewals received on or after 1 June 2026.
Can I pay tax by instalment?
No. Outstanding tax must be fully settled, and CP38 instalments are not acceptable.
Is there an appeal fee?
No additional fee, but the application fee is non-refundable once appealed.
How long does an appeal take?
Up to 30 working days.
Can I edit an appeal?
No. Once submitted, it cannot be edited.
What if the appeal fails?
For Employment Pass applications, the company may refer the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, subject to its procedures.
Can the employee stay while the appeal is pending?
Confirm stay rules with Immigration. Overstay carries penalties.
Can I resubmit a fresh application instead?
ESD's materials reviewed do not state a rule. Fix the cause first and take advice.
Can you prepare the appeal?
Yes. We review the rejection and prepare the justification and documents.
Sources
Official sources
- Immigration Department (ESD), Updated appeal application FAQs
- Immigration Department (ESD), Revised Expatriate Salary Policy FAQ
- Immigration Department (ESD), ESD Online Guidebook V5 (September 2024)
- Immigration Department, Frequently Committed Offences
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with the Immigration Department (ESD) and MIDA, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
Talk To Us Now
Hiring or relocating an expatriate? We will check your case first. All consultations are by video call.