Immigration
Employment Passes by category, with Sabah and Sarawak controlling their own entry
Immigration is federal under the Immigration Act 1959/63, but Sabah and Sarawak retain autonomous immigration control under the Malaysia Agreement, so a federal pass does not automatically permit work there. Employment Passes are graded by salary into categories with different durations and dependant rights, and the MM2H long-stay programme was substantially tightened.
Governing law
- Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) — Entry, passes and enforcement.
- Malaysia Agreement 1963 — Sabah and Sarawak immigration autonomy.
In practice
Employment Pass categories are set by monthly salary, with Category I permitting longer terms and dependants. Sabah and Sarawak require separate state approval for work and residence. The Professional Visit Pass covers short-term assignments for a foreign employer. Malaysia My Second Home requirements were raised significantly in the 2021 and 2024 revisions. Assuming a Peninsular Employment Pass covers Sabah or Sarawak is a common and serious error. Employment Passes are employer-specific; a change of employer requires cancellation and a fresh application.