Complete Guide to get Malaysian Work Visa in 2023

 

Sure! Here's a complete guide to the Malaysian work visa process:

1. Determine the appropriate work visa:  Malaysia offers several types of work visas depending on the nature of your employment. The main categories are a. Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, executives, and skilled workers. b. Professional Visit Pass (PVP): For foreign experts, consultants, or trainers. c. Temporary Employment Pass (PLKS): For foreign workers in specific industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, or services.
2. Find a Malaysian employer: To obtain a work visa in Malaysia, you must first secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer. They will play a crucial role in sponsoring your work visa application.
3. Employer's role and responsibilities: Once you have a job offer, your Malaysian employer must fulfill certain requirements, including a. Registering your employment with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) or the Immigration Department of Malaysia (for PLKS). b. Demonstrating that they have tried to recruit local talent before hiring a foreign worker. c. Meeting the minimum salary requirements set by the government. d. Providing the necessary documents and supporting evidence for your visa application.
4. Application process: a. Employment Pass (EP): i. Your employer submits the EP application to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) or the Malaysia Immigration Department, depending on the sector. ii. The relevant authority evaluates the application and makes a decision. iii. If approved, you will receive a letter of approval (LOA). iv. Once you have the LOA, you can apply for an EP at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country. b. Professional Visit Pass (PVP): i. Your employer submits the PVP application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia. ii. The application is evaluated, and if approved, you will receive a PVP approval letter. iii. With the approval letter, you can apply for a PVP at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country. c. Temporary Employment Pass (PLKS): i. Your employer must apply for a PLKS and a Visa with Reference (VDR) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. ii. Once approved, your employer will receive a VDR approval letter. iii. You will then need to apply for a PLKS sticker at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country.
5. Visa issuance: After submitting the necessary documents and paying the required fees, you will attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. If everything goes smoothly, your work visa will be issued.
6. Post-arrival requirements: a. Medical examination: Upon arrival in Malaysia, you must undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic or hospital within the first 30 days. b. Social visit pass endorsement: Your work visa will initially be valid for a specific period (usually one or two years). Once you arrive in Malaysia, your employer must request a social visit pass endorsement from the Immigration Department to convert it into a work visa.
7. Renewal: Before your work visa expires, you and your employer must apply for a renewal. The process is similar to the initial application, but you may need to provide updated documentation.

It's important to note that the process and requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of work visa and the specific circumstances. It is advisable to consult with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country or seek legal advice to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation.

Different Types of Employment Passes in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, there are several types of employment passes available for foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. The main types of employment passes are as follows:

1. Employment Pass (EP): The Employment Pass is the most common type of work visa in Malaysia and is designed for professionals, managers, executives, and highly skilled workers. It is generally applicable to those earning a higher income and holding positions in managerial or technical roles.
2. Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T): The Residence Pass-Talent is a work visa specifically tailored for highly skilled and talented foreign professionals who have been offered employment in Malaysia. It is granted for up to five years and provides greater flexibility and benefits compared to the Employment Pass.
3. Professional Visit Pass (PVP): The Professional Visit Pass is for foreign experts, consultants, or trainers who are engaged on a short-term basis for specific projects or assignments in Malaysia. It is typically valid for up to 12 months and is non-renewable.
4. Dependent Pass (DP): The Dependent Pass is issued to the immediate family members (spouse and children) of a foreign national who holds a valid Employment Pass or Residence Pass in Malaysia. It allows them to reside in Malaysia and seek employment or pursue studies.
5. Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) (PLKS): The Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) is commonly referred to as the PLKS and is meant for foreign workers who are employed in specific industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, or services. It is usually valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.
6. Visit Pass (Professional) (VP): The Visit Pass (Professional) is issued to foreign nationals who are engaged in short-term professional activities in Malaysia, such as attending conferences, seminars, or conducting research. It is typically valid for up to 12 months.

It's worth noting that the specific eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements for each employment pass may vary. The Malaysian authorities, such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) or the Immigration Department of Malaysia, provide detailed information and guidelines on the respective pass applications. It is advisable to consult the relevant authorities or seek professional advice to ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information for your specific circumstances.

Conditions for carrying a Malaysia Work Permit Visa.

When it comes to carrying a Malaysia work permit visa, there are certain conditions and requirements that foreign nationals must fulfill. The specific conditions may vary depending on the type of work permit visa, but here are some general conditions:

1. Job offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Malaysian employer who will act as your sponsor throughout the visa application process.
2. Minimum salary requirement: The Malaysian government sets minimum salary thresholds for different categories of work permits. Your salary should meet or exceed these requirements to be eligible for a work permit.
3. Qualifications and experience: Depending on the type of work permit, you may need to meet certain educational qualifications and possess relevant work experience or expertise in your field.
4. Valid passport: You must have a valid passport with remaining validity of at least six months.
5. Medical examination: As part of the visa application process, you will need to undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic or hospital in your home country or in Malaysia. This examination typically includes a general health check-up and tests for infectious diseases.
6. Security clearance: Some work permit categories may require you to obtain a security clearance or provide a background check report to demonstrate that you have a clean record.
7. Employer's responsibilities: Your Malaysian employer must fulfill certain responsibilities, such as registering your employment with the relevant authorities, demonstrating efforts to hire local talent, and providing necessary documents and information for the visa application.
8. Renewal and compliance: Work permits in Malaysia are typically granted for a specific period. To continue working in Malaysia, you and your employer must apply for renewal before the permit expires. It's important to comply with the rules and regulations of the work permit and Malaysian immigration laws during your stay.

It's worth noting that the conditions and requirements may differ depending on the specific work permit category and any changes in Malaysian immigration policies. It is advisable to consult with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country or seek professional advice to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information about your situation.

Applying for a Malaysia Work Visa

To apply for a work visa in Malaysia, you need to follow these general steps:

1. Job offer: Secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa. Ensure that the job offer meets the requirements for the specific work visa category you are applying for.
2. Employer's role: Your Malaysian employer will play a crucial role in the visa application process. They must fulfill certain responsibilities, including a. Registering their employment with the relevant authorities, such as the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) or the Immigration Department of Malaysia. b. Demonstrating that they have made efforts to recruit local talent before hiring a foreign worker. c. Meeting the minimum salary requirements set by the government. d. Providing necessary documents and supporting evidence for the visa application.
3. Visa application submission: Once you have a job offer and your employer has fulfilled their responsibilities, the visa application process typically involves the following steps: a. Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP): i. Your employer submits the application on your behalf to the relevant authority, which could be the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) or the Immigration Department of Malaysia. ii. The authority evaluates the application based on criteria such as qualifications, work experience, salary, and industry demand. iii. If approved, you will receive a letter of approval (LOA) or a Professional Visit Pass approval letter. iv. With the LOA or approval letter, you can apply for a work visa at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country. b. Temporary Employment Pass (PLKS): i. Your employer applies for a Temporary Employment Pass and a Visa with Reference (VDR) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. ii. Once approved, your employer will receive a VDR approval letter. iii. You need to apply for a PLKS sticker at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country using the VDR approval letter.
4. Visa issuance: After submitting the required documents, paying the applicable fees, and attending an interview at the embassy or consulate, your work visa will be issued if everything goes smoothly.
5. Post-arrival requirements: Once you arrive in Malaysia, there are a few additional steps to complete: a. Medical examination: Undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic or hospital within the first 30 days of arrival. b. Social visit pass endorsement: Your work visa will initially be valid as a social visit pass. Your employer must request a social visit pass endorsement from the Immigration Department to convert it into a work visa.
6. Renewal: Before your work visa expires, you and your employer must apply for a renewal. The process is similar to the initial application, but you may need to provide updated documentation.

It's important to note that the specific application requirements and processes may vary depending on the type of work visa and any changes in Malaysian immigration policies. It is advisable to consult with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country or seek professional advice to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information about your situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying for a work visa in Malaysia involves several steps and requirements. It begins with securing a job offer from a Malaysian employer who will act as your sponsor throughout the visa application process. Your employer must fulfill certain responsibilities, such as registering your employment and meeting the minimum salary requirements.

The specific visa application process and requirements depend on the type of work visa you are applying for, which could be an Employment Pass (EP), Professional Visit Pass (PVP), or Temporary Employment Pass (PLKS). Each category has its own criteria, application procedures, and validity periods.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval (LOA) or an approval letter, depending on the visa type. You will then need to apply for a work visa at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country.

After arriving in Malaysia, you may need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a social visit pass endorsement to convert your visa into a work visa. It is important to comply with the rules and regulations of the work permit and Malaysian immigration laws during your stay.

It is advisable to consult with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country or seek professional advice to ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation, as the application process and requirements may vary.