What Is the Difference Between an Employment Pass and a Work Permit in Malaysia?

What Is the Difference Between an Employment Pass and a Work Permit in Malaysia?

When expanding your workforce in Malaysia, hiring non-Malaysian employees may require you to navigate the country’s immigration landscape.  Two of the most common terms you’ll come across are the Employment Pass (EP) and the Work Permit (also known as the Temporary Employment Pass or TEP).  While they may sound similar, these two permits serve very different purposes, and choosing the […]

Anwar Ibrahim’s RM15 Billion Relief Package: Key Implications for HR and Employers in Malaysia

Anwar Ibrahim’s RM15 Billion Relief Package: Key Implications for HR and Employers in Malaysia

On 23 July 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a comprehensive RM15 billion appreciation package to ease the rising cost of living for Malaysians. This announcement includes nationwide cash assistance, fuel subsidies, healthcare workforce expansion, a toll hike freeze, and a newly declared public holiday. While the measures are designed to support the rakyat, they also present strategic […]

Expatriate Employment Pass in Malaysia: Step-by-Step Application Process

Expatriate Employment Pass in Malaysia: Step-by-Step Application Process

Hiring foreign professionals in Malaysia can significantly enhance your company’s capabilities, especially if you’re seeking specialised knowledge, leadership experience, or multilingual skills. But before onboarding global talent, your business must obtain an Expatriate Employment Pass (EP). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step application process, from preparing your documents to submitting them through the Expatriate Services Division […]

EOR vs Entity Setup: Which Is Better for Hiring in Malaysia?

EOR vs Entity Setup: Which Is Better for Hiring in Malaysia?

Hiring in Malaysia can take different forms depending on a company’s goals, timelines, and resources. For many businesses — especially foreign companies or organisations expanding into Malaysia for the first time — the biggest decision is whether to hire through EOR services or set up a local legal entity. Both options are widely used, but they come with different costs, […]

Is Your Company Eligible to Hire Expatriates in Malaysia? Here’s What You Need to Know

Is Your Company Eligible to Hire Expatriates in Malaysia? Here’s What You Need to Know

Hiring expatriates in Malaysia can be a game-changer for companies seeking specialised skills, global perspectives, or multilingual capabilities.  But before you begin the process of applying for an Expatriate Employment Pass (EP), it’s crucial to understand whether your company meets the necessary eligibility criteria.  In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key requirements, application process, and how partnering with […]

Employment Pass vs Other Work Visas in Malaysia: Which One Applies to You

Employment Pass vs Other Work Visas in Malaysia: Which One Applies to You

Hiring foreign talent in Malaysia requires choosing the correct type of work visa — but many HR teams and hiring managers find the process confusing. Malaysia offers several work visa categories, each with different eligibility rules, employer requirements, and approval criteria.  The most common option is the Employment Pass (EP), but depending on the job role, salary, industry, and duration […]

Who Is Eligible for an Employment Pass in Malaysia? (Salary, Age & Qualifications)

Who Is Eligible for an Employment Pass in Malaysia? (Salary, Age & Qualifications)

Malaysia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign talent, particularly for regional headquarters, shared services centres, manufacturing, technology, and professional services firms.  For employers planning to hire non-Malaysian professionals, understanding the Employment Pass Malaysia eligibility criteria is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or compliance risks. This guide provides a clear, factual, and up-to-date explanation of who qualifies […]

Stamp Duty Update: Exemption for Employment Contracts Signed Before 2025

Stamp Duty Update: Exemption for Employment Contracts Signed Before 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 June 2025 – The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has issued an important update concerning stamp duty requirements for employment contracts, providing much-needed clarity for employers nationwide. Summary of Stamp Duty Requirements for Employment Contracts To ease compliance and reduce the burden on employers, LHDN has introduced a phased approach for enforcing stamp duty on employment contracts: Contract […]

Employment Contract Stamping in Malaysia: What Employers Need to Know

Employment Contract Stamping in Malaysia: What Employers Need to Know

Based on: LHDNM’s Requirements on Stamping of Employment Contracts, presented by MEF Adviser Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan Starting January 2025, Malaysia’s Inland Revenue Board (LHDNM) has begun actively enforcing the Stamp Act 1949 in relation to employment contracts. MEF Adviser Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan recently provided an in-depth briefing on this development to over 2,400 HR professionals, clarifying the requirements, […]

Sick Leave Entitlement in Malaysia: A Practical Guide for HR

Sick Leave Entitlement in Malaysia: A Practical Guide for HR

Sick leave is an important benefit that allows employees to rest and recover when they are unwell. In Malaysia, sick leave entitlements are protected by law under the Employment Act 1955, and HR practitioners must ensure that these entitlements are given fairly and managed properly. This article explains what HR teams need to know about sick leave entitlement, how to […]

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