Malaysia Temporary Employment Pass
For semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers in approved sectors including manufacturing, construction, plantation, agriculture, services, and domestic helpers.
Two Categories of Temporary Employment Pass
The Malaysian government issues two types of Temporary Employment Passes
Foreign Workers
For foreign workers in approved sectors with specific nationality, age, and gender requirements
Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH)
For female domestic helpers aged 21-45 from approved countries to work in Malaysian households
Eligibility for Foreign Workers Pass
Requirements for obtaining a Temporary Employment Pass as a foreign worker in approved sectors
Approved Sectors
You must work in one of these sectors:
- • Construction
- • Plantation
- • Agriculture
- • Services
- • Manufacturing
Age Requirement
Age must be within the specified range
18 - 45
Years of age
Medical Clearance
Health examination requirements
- Approved medical centre
- Cleared as healthy
- Fit to work
Eligible Countries for Foreign Workers
Workers from the following countries may apply, subject to sector-specific restrictions:
Bangladesh
Plantation sector only
Cambodia
India
Not Manufacturing
Indonesia
Males not Manufacturing
Kazakhstan
Laos
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Philippines
Females cannot apply
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Application Process for Foreign Workers
Your employer applies on your behalf. Follow this three-step process
Get Visa Approval Letter
Your employer must obtain a Visa Approval Letter from the Immigration Department before you can travel to Malaysia
Apply for Visa With Reference
After receiving the Visa Approval Letter, apply for your Malaysia Visa With Reference at a Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country
Important: You can only travel to Malaysia after receiving your Visa With Reference
Apply for the Pass in Malaysia
After arriving in Malaysia, complete FOMEMA medical examination within 30 days, then apply for the Temporary Employment Pass
Required Documents for Foreign Workers
Your employer must submit these documents when applying for your Visa Approval Letter
Application Forms
- Form IM.12
- Form IM.38
Quota Approval
- Letter from Ministry of Home Affairs
Passport Copy
- Clear copy of your passport
Photograph
- Passport-size photo
- Meeting Malaysia requirements
Medical Results
- From approved medical center
- Valid for 3 months
ISC Verification
- Security clearance results
Foreign Worker Levy
- Payment receipt
Security Bond
- Bond documentation
Insurance
- Worker Compensation Insurance
- Health Insurance (SPIKPA)
Conditions and Duration for Foreign Workers
Duration
Initial Period: 12 Months
Can be renewed yearly
Maximum Period: 10 Years
With annual renewals
Renewal: Employer must apply 3 months before expiry. Late applications will be denied.
Restrictions
- Cannot change employers or employment sector
- Cannot get married in Malaysia (to anyone)
- Cannot work as a front liner
- Cannot bring family members
Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Requirements
Eligibility for Foreign Domestic Helper
Worker Requirements:
- • Female, aged 21-45 years
- • National of approved country
- • Medically fit to work
- • ISC clearance obtained
Employer Requirements:
- • Income: RM3,000 - RM5,000+
- • Has children under 15 OR
- • Has sick elderly parents
- • Maximum one FDH per household
Eligible Countries for FDH:
Application Process for FDH
Visa Approval Letter
Employer applies at State Immigration Office for approval before worker can apply for visa
Visa With Reference
Worker applies at Malaysian embassy/consulate in home country with approval letter
Apply for Pass
Within 1 month of arrival: declare presence, complete FOMEMA exam, apply for pass
Conditions for Foreign Domestic Helper
Rights and Protections:
- • Basic amenities in accommodation
- • Religious beliefs respected
- • Allowed to practice religion
- • Can fast during Ramadan
- • Can pray 5 times daily
Restrictions:
- • Household chores only
- • Cannot get married in Malaysia
- • Cannot change employers without approval
- • Cannot apply for Entry Permit
- • 12-month validity (renewable)