Malaysia attracts workers from the Philippines due to its location and higher salary. With most of the population in Malaysia being ethnic Malay, Chinese and Indians, there is a large population of expatriates from the Philippines working here as well. From factory workers to engineers to maids – Filipinos are all over Malaysia providing their labor force.
This is an article designed to help overseas Filipino workers in Malaysia search for jobs there. The information should also be useful for anyone else who may be interested in working in Malaysia.
Table of Contents
Requirements
The requirements in applying for work in Malaysia can be seen here a Requirements. You will be shown a list of commonly requested documents by employers.
Qualifications
An applicant must at least 25 years old (23 for IT sector) and a high school graduate. One must also be physically and mentally fit to work.
Important Steps
I. Job Search
Job searching can be done in the comforts of your home. With just a phone and an internet connection, you can search for jobs available in any country that you want. Searching for jobs in Malaysia is made possible and easier with online job portals.
Before searching for jobs online, you must register on these websites, and if you already have registered, then, you may log in to proceed to job searching.
To help you with job searching, here are the three websites to browse.
Monster
Monster also offers career advice articles and tips on how to improve your resume and cover letter, as well as salary guides for specific jobs in different parts of the world.
To start searching for jobs in Malaysia using Monster, you may follow the steps below.
1. Click the link above and you will be redirected to this site.
2. On the left part of the search bar, enter the job that you wanted to look for. On the location, enter ‘Malaysia’. Hit ‘Search’.
3. You will see a list of job results. You may click on one of these job posts and follow the instructions on the post afterward.
Careerjet
Careerjet is an online job portal that also offers free training programs that will teach applicants how to write impressive resumes as well as how to do a good interview so they can get noticed by employers.
To search for a job using Careerjet, you may follow the procedure below.
1. Click the link above. The Careerjet website looks like this.
2. On the search bar, enter the job on the left (What) and Malaysia on the right. And hit ‘Search’.
3. And here are the search results.
DMW
https://www.dmw.gov.ph/approved-job-orders
Lastly, using the DMW website, Filipinos can search for job opportunities in Malaysia. Moreover, the website posts legitimate and up-to-date job offers.
So, to search for jobs in Malaysia using the DMW website, the steps are listed below.
1. Click the link above.
2. Scroll down until you see a search bar. Enter ‘Malaysia’ on the search bar.
3. The search results show the jobs available in Malaysia.
II. Getting a Work Permit
You will need a Malaysia work permit if you want to work in Malaysia.
There are three different kinds of Malaysian work visas that ex-pats can use. They are given out based on the job and how long someone will be working there.
- MALAYSIA EMPLOYMENT PASS
This Malaysia work permit visa is given to foreigners who are highly qualified and who are hired by a Malaysian company for technical or managerial jobs. Before you can get this employment pass, the Malaysian employer must get permission from the relevant regulatory authority to hire the foreign national.
This work permit is good for between 1 and 5 years, and it can be renewed from case to case.
- MALAYSIA PASS FOR TEMPORARY WORK
This pass is given to people who are hired for a job that will last for two years and falls into two categories.
o Foreign Worker Temporary Employment Pass: This type of work permit lets a foreign worker work in the manufacturing, construction, plantation, agriculture, and services industries. This type of Pass can also be given to people from countries that have been approved.
o Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Temporary Employment Pass: This type of pass is given to women from approved countries who are working as domestic helpers. The foreign worker must work in the home of her boss, who may have young children or elderly parents who need care.
Requirements for Obtaining a Work Permit
- Completed Application Form
- Passport (6 months valid from the date of issuance)
- Educational Qualifications and Certificates (Photocopies)
- Previous employment(proof)
- 2 passport-size pictures
- Documents about the work in Malaysia (Employment contract etc.)
- Employment letter
Qualifications for Obtaining a Work Permit
Depending on the type of work permit you want, different requirements apply.
Employment Pass applicants must have the required qualifications (diplomas, certifications) and work experience for the position. Minimum RM3,000 monthly salary, up to RM10,000 in some categories.
TEP requirements vary by age and country. You must be 18 to 45 and from an approved country, for example. A Foreign Domestic Helper must be a woman between 21 and 45 years old. There are no requirements.
Application Procedure
Your employer is in charge of securing a work permit for Malaysia on your behalf. The Immigration Department of Malaysia must receive their application. Once your application has been accepted by the Immigration Department, you can enter Malaysia or apply for a visa with reference if you’re a citizen of a nation that requires one.
III. Preparation for Going to Malaysia
Here are some things you should be aware of if you intend to work in Malaysia:
- Facts: Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. It is about two to three hours from Manila and is surrounded by Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, and the Philippines. Its capital is Kuala Lumpur, and its official language is Malay or Bahasa Malaysia. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
- Religion: Islam is the state religion of Malaysia. Still, Malays are open to people of other faiths, like Catholics, Taoists, Hindus, and Buddhists, among others. Every major religious holiday is a holiday, no matter what religion you follow.
- Culture: Malaysia has many kinds of people, so don’t be surprised if you talk to other Asians. But because of the difference in culture, it would be hard to do at work. Still, this would be fun because you could see how people in other countries live. Since there are many kinds of people in this country, you will hear languages other than English. When you work in Malaysia, you will notice that most people will tell you “No.” People in Malaysia think that saying “No” makes the other person look bad, so try to read between the lines. If you don’t get a clear “Yes,” that could also mean “No,” so make sure you ask your question again. Malaysia is a Muslim country, so it is very important to dress properly. It’s best to dress conservatively, especially for women. Still, it’s common for people to dress like the West, like by wearing suits.
- Food: Malaysia is a fantastic dining destination. There are many kinds of food, from traditional Malay food to Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, and even Indian food. Malaysia has places where you can get Western food, but if you want to get the most out of this country, you should eat where the locals do.
- Transportation: Malaysia doesn’t have a complicated transport system like those in Japan or Singapore. There is a light rail line in Kuala Lumpur that can take you from point A to point B, but it needs to be made bigger. It’s easier to take a taxi, and most of them charge less.
IV. Arrival in Malaysia
Getting into Malaysia
Your passport must be at least six months old to be used. At least one blank page is necessary for the entry stamp. The Malaysian Immigration Department has the final say regarding permission to enter and remain in Malaysia.
Please be aware that many other countries in the region require at least six months of remaining passport validity if you intend to travel after leaving Malaysia.
If you are visiting for less than 90 days on business or vacation, you do not need a visa.
An entry stamp known as a social visit pass (visa), which is placed in your passport by immigration officials, authorizes a stay of up to 90 days. The Malaysian Immigration Department will consider requests for extensions of up to two months.
Video: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE WORKING IN MALAYSIA | SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PASS, BENEFITS, AND COST OF LIVING
The video is about the thing that you need to know before working in Malaysia which is discussed by Joel Caiga on his YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, refer to the frequently asked questions section to help you out.
1. How can I extend my work visa or permit for Malaysia?
Three months prior to expiration, your employer may request to extend your Malaysia work visa or permit. You must leave the country right away if you aren’t given a delay.
2. How long can I stay in Malaysia after my work visa has run out?
If you have a work visa, there is no grace period, and you must depart Malaysia right away.
3. What will happen if I stay past the expiration of my visa to Malaysia?
Remaining in the country after a visa has expired is illegal and, in some circumstances, can result in fines and even deportation.
4. How much money in the bank is necessary to obtain a work visa for Malaysia?
There is no requirement to submit any kind of bank statement for the Malaysia work visa. If you are an employee, your expenses should be covered by your pay and your employer.
5. How far in advance should I apply for a work visa to Malaysia?
You might begin the process about a month in advance since you will require an approval letter from Malaysia. A Malaysia work visa typically takes 7 to 14 working days to process.
6. Can I enter the nation with my family if I have a work visa from Malaysia?
People who have a Malaysian Employment Pass may bring their families along. The following family members may accompany you.
7. When you have a valid work visa for Malaysia, can you change jobs?
No, you may only work for the organization/employer listed on your Employment Pass. You must resubmit your application if your company changes.
8. Can I use my multiple-entry Malaysia eVIsa to work in Malaysia?
No, you cannot use your multiple-entry Malaysia eVIsa to work as an employee; it can only be used for travel or business.
9. Can I change my Malaysian tourist visa to a work visa?
It is not possible to change your Malaysia tourist visa into a work visa. The person who should apply for your Malaysia work visa or permit is your employer.
10. How long does it take to find a job in Malaysia?
Most of the people who answered the survey (73%) thought the process would take between two and four weeks. 82% of Malaysian job seekers wanted the hiring process to take between two and four weeks.
Summary
It’s a great way to meet new people and get yourself a new job in a country that could be perfect for you. You’re no longer bound by the restrictions of your local job market, and instead can go further beyond your horizons and take on a whole new career opportunity in Malaysia. Simply put: if you want to find opportunities in another country for Filipinos, there are plenty, and it could be just a matter of seeking them out.