Working Conditions in Malaysia

Indian workers are advised to talk to people who are either working in Malaysia or have worked in Malaysia in the recent past to know about the living conditions in Malaysia. There are currently restrictions on the number of foreign workers a Malaysian company can employ. If any Malaysian company intends to hire foreign workers, then they will have to prove to the government that the potential employee and their position are of vital importance and the job cannot be filled by a local.

For sectors open to Indian employees: Click here

Indian workers must be aware of following information:

  • Exit VISA: Unless the sponsor co-operates, it is extremely difficult to get exit visa to return to India and you may have to fight long legal battle/ stay in deportation centre/jail to get exit from Malaysia.
  • Dispute with employer: In case of dispute with the employer, before the employer declares you as absconding from work, please approach the nearby Police Station/Labour Office after consulting the High Commission (and your recruiting agent if you have recently arrived in Malaysia) over phone.

  • Illegal activities:Strike by workers is illegal in Malaysia.

Not recommended:

  • ● Indian workers are strongly advised not to work illegally in Malaysia, as it will lead to arrest, detention and very high fines. The exploitation of illegal workers is generally high in Malaysia.
  • ● Tourist visa holders are not allowed to hold any job in Malaysia when they arrive on ‘Social Visit pass’ (tourist visa). Foreign nationals intending to work in Malaysia must obtain any one of the work visas: Employment pass, Professional visit pass or Resident pass.