Foreign workers holding an Employment Pass (EP) in Malaysia should take note of the updated regulations that will affect their stay in the country. The Malaysian Immigration Department has introduced new procedures requiring employers to submit a ‘change of category letter’ when adjusting the Employment Pass categories for foreign nationals.
Effective January 1, 2025, employers or companies seeking to change the category of an Employment Pass (Category 1, 2, or 3) must now cancel the existing pass and submit the change of category letter at the application approval stage. This new process, introduced by the Malaysian Immigration Department, ensures that all changes are officially recognized before an EP holder can begin working under a new category.
The Employment Pass allows expatriates to work with a Malaysian organization, with validity based on the contract of employment (up to 60 months). Additionally, EP holders are eligible to apply for a Dependant Pass for their spouse and children under the age of 18.
It’s important to note that foreign workers can only work for the company listed on their Employment Pass. If they change employers, they must reapply for a new Employment Pass with the new company.
Before applying for an Employment Pass, foreign workers should verify if their employer is eligible to submit an application. The company must be approved by the Expatriate Committee (EC) or relevant authorities before a foreign national can be issued an Employment Pass by the Malaysian Immigration Department.
