Foreign workers in Malaysia holding an Employment Pass (EP) should be aware of important changes affecting their stay in the country. The Malaysian Immigration Department has announced that employers will now be required to submit a “change of category letter” during the application approval process when altering the Employment Pass category for foreign nationals.
Under the newly implemented procedure, employers must cancel the current Employment Pass when applying for a category change (Category 1, 2, or 3). This adjustment comes into effect from January 1, 2025, and will require employers to submit the “change of category letter” at the approval stage.
The Employment Pass (EP) serves as a work permit that allows expatriates to be employed by a Malaysian company, with the pass duration linked to the employment contract (up to 60 months). EP holders are also eligible to apply for a Dependant Pass for their spouse and children under 18 years of age.
It’s crucial to note that foreign workers on an Employment Pass are restricted to working for the company specified on their pass. If they change employers, they must resubmit their application for a new pass.
Before applying for an Employment Pass, foreign workers should verify that the company is eligible to sponsor an Expatriate Employment Pass. The Expatriate Committee (EC) or relevant authorities must approve the foreign talent for the position before the Immigration Department can issue the EP.
