Overview of Work Permits and Employment Passes in Malaysia

In Malaysia, foreign nationals seeking to work must obtain the appropriate work permit or employment pass. The primary types of work permits are:

1. Employment Pass (EP): For skilled workers, managers, and executives.
2. Temporary Employment Pass (TEP): For semi-skilled workers.
3. Professional Visit Pass (PVP): For foreign professionals on short-term assignments.
4. Foreign Worker Permit (FWP): For unskilled labor in specific sectors.

1. Employment Pass (EP)

Categories:

• Category I: For expatriates earning a monthly salary of RM 10,000 and above.
• Category II: For expatriates earning between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999.
• Category III: For expatriates earning between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999.

Eligibility:

• Must possess relevant qualifications and experience.
• Must have a job offer from a Malaysian company.

Application Process:

1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer.
2. Employer Application: The employer submits an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) or the Immigration Department.
3. Documents Required:
   • Completed application form.
   • Copy of the job offer letter.
   • Company registration documents.
   • Employee’s qualifications and experience certificates.
   • Passport copy.
4. Approval: Wait for approval from the authorities (usually takes 2-4 weeks).
5. Issuance of EP: Upon approval, the EP is issued, and the employee can enter Malaysia.

Costs:

• Application fees vary by category (approximately RM 100 to RM 1,000).
• Additional fees may apply for processing and issuance.

2. Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)

Eligibility:

• For semi-skilled workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services.

Application Process:

1. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Malaysian employer.
2. Employer Application: The employer submits the application to the Immigration Department.
3. Documents Required:
   • Completed application form.
   • Job offer letter.
   • Company registration documents.
   • Employee’s qualifications.
   • Passport copy.
4. Approval: Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks.
5. Issuance of TEP: Upon approval, the TEP is issued.

Costs:

• Application fees range from RM 300 to RM 500, depending on the sector and duration.

3. Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

Eligibility:

• For foreign professionals visiting Malaysia for short-term assignments (up to 12 months).

Application Process:

1. Job Offer: Secure a short-term assignment from a Malaysian company.
2. Employer Application: The employer submits the application to the Immigration Department.
3. Documents Required:
   • Completed application form.
   • Invitation letter from the Malaysian company.
   • Passport copy.
4. Approval: Processing time is usually 1-2 weeks.
5. Issuance of PVP: Upon approval, the PVP is issued.

Costs:

• Application fees are generally around RM 100 to RM 300.

4. Foreign Worker Permit (FWP)

Eligibility:

• For unskilled labor in specific sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

Application Process:

1. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Malaysian employer.
2. Employer Application: The employer submits the application to the Ministry of Human Resources.
3. Documents Required:
   • Completed application form.
   • Job offer letter.
   • Company registration documents.
   • Employee’s passport copy.
4. Approval: Processing time can take 2-4 weeks.
5. Issuance of FWP: Upon approval, the FWP is issued.

Costs:

• Application fees range from RM 300 to RM 600.

General Considerations

National Regulations:

• All applications must comply with the Malaysian Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Employment Act 1955.
• Employers must ensure that the job offered to foreign workers is not a position that can be filled by a Malaysian citizen.

Country-Specific Considerations:

• Quota System: Certain sectors have a quota for foreign workers, which may affect the approval of applications.
• Health and Security Checks: Applicants may be required to undergo health screenings and security checks.
• Renewals: Work permits and passes are typically valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed, subject to the same application process.

Conclusion

Navigating the work permit and employment pass system in Malaysia requires careful attention to detail and adherence to national regulations. It is advisable for both employers and employees to stay informed about any changes in immigration policies and procedures. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the Malaysian Immigration Department or consult with a legal expert specializing in immigration matters.