Malaysia needs foreign workers only in selected industries and occupations, and it is therefore advisable for those intending to work in Malaysia to secure a job before arrival. Many expatriates living in Malaysia have been posted there on a temporary basis by their existing employers.

There is likely to be an increased demand for English teaching as English is being re-introduced as a medium of instruction for some subjects in Malaysian schools. Private tuition in English for school-aged children is very popular.

Expatriates can search for jobs in Malaysia using online recruitment websites, the online classifieds of national and local Malaysian newspapers, and Malaysian expat websites.

Work Permits

A work permit is the most important form of documentation required for those seeking employment in the country. Normally this is obtained for the employee by the employer once in the country. Employees and their families are allowed to enter the country on social passes issued by Malaysian Immigration officials upon arrival.

The work permit application process is bureaucratic and can be lengthy. Employers will often deal with the paperwork on behalf of their expatriate employees but some companies and individuals opt to use the services of an agency. Permits are given for varying periods from six months to several years. Dependents of work permit holders are not allowed to work unless they obtain a permit in their own right.

There are restrictions on the number of expatriate workers that can be employed by companies, depending on the company's level of foreign paid-up capital. For executive posts which require professional qualifications and practical experience, expatriates may be employed up to a maximum period of 10 years subject to the condition that Malaysians are trained to eventually take over the posts. For non-executive posts which require technical skills and experience, expatriates may be employed up to a maximum period of five years while Malaysians are trained to take over the posts. It is not known to what extent these conditions are enforced.

An expatriate officer who is transferred from one post to another post within the same company is not required to obtain a new employment pass. A new expatriate officer replacing another expatriate officer is required to obtain a fresh employment pass. All holders of employment passes are issued with multiple entry visas valid for the corresponding period that the employment pass is valid.

Malaysia practices stringent laws prohibiting foreigners from working in the country without authorisation and frequently detains or deports illegal workers. Visitors and expatriates should therefore strictly follow immigration laws and regulations.