Malaysia not only boasts numerous tourist attractions but also offers employment opportunities for foreign workers aspiring to work in this beautiful country with a growing economy and a number of foreign enterprises. For Bangladeshis looking to start or continue their careers here, working in Malaysia could provide prospects for professional development and advancement.

If you’re a Bangladeshi wishing to apply for a work visa in Malaysia, here is all the information you need to know.

Malaysia work visa for Bangladeshi 2023

A work visa is a type of work permit that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Malaysia for a specific period. All foreign nationals, including Bangladeshi passport holders, must have a work permit to work in Malaysia.

However, please note that before applying for a work visa, you must first obtain a job offer from a Malaysian employer who can sponsor your work visa. Qualifying for a work visa in Malaysia can be a challenging and time-consuming process, as the criteria vary depending on your nationality and the type of work you will be performing.

For more information on the specific requirements for obtaining a work visa in Malaysia, you should contact the Malaysian embassy or consulate in Bangladesh.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a work visa in Malaysia, Bangladeshi passport holders must meet the following criteria:

• possess a valid passport
• have a remaining validity of at least 18 months on their passport
• meet the age requirements, which are generally between 18 to 45 years old. However, please note that age requirements may vary depending on the type of work and employer. For example, the IT sector may have a minimum requirement of 23 years old. It is best to consult with your nearest Malaysian embassy for the most up-to-date information

Required documents

To obtain a Malaysia work visa, the applicant must submit the following documents as per the current regulations:

• a valid Bangladesh passport
• a duly filled application form
• copies of educational certificates
• past employment testimonials
• two recent color photographs
• a detailed description of the type of work that the applicant will perform in Malaysia
• an employment letter from the company or organization that will employ the applicant in Malaysia

Please note that this may not be an exhaustive list. We recommend consulting with your nearest Malaysian embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Types of work visas

There are different types of work visas available in Malaysia depending on the type of job and skills.

Malaysia employment pass

The Malaysia Employment Pass is issued to foreign nationals who are hired by Malaysian companies for highly skilled positions, such as technical or managerial roles. To obtain this pass, your employer must obtain approval from the Expatriate Committee or a relevant regulatory agency. The Malaysia Employment Pass can be issued for a duration of 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration of work, and can be renewed.

To be eligible for this pass, you must have the proper qualifications, such as diplomas, certificates, etc., for the position you will be occupying, as well as relevant work experience. Your monthly salary should also be a minimum of RM3,000 per month.

Malaysia temporary employment pass

The Malaysia temporary employment pass is issued for employment under two categories:

• foreign worker temporary employment pass: This pass allows foreign nationals to work in the Manufacturing, Construction, Plantation, Agriculture, and Services categories. It can only be issued to nationals of approved countries
• foreign domestic helper (FDH) temporary employment pass: This pass is only issued to female workers from approved countries. The worker is permitted to work in the employer’s house if the employer has young children or elderly parents who need to be taken care of.

This pass is issued to foreign nationals for employment of less than 2 years or with a salary of less than RM 5000. To obtain this pass, you must be of legal working age.

Malaysia professional visit pass

The Malaysia Professional Visit Pass is issued to foreign nationals who need to come to Malaysia for temporary work lasting up to 12 months. In this case, the employer should be a foreign company operating in Malaysia.

Application process

Here are the steps to follow for the work visa application process in Malaysia:

• obtain a job offer letter from the sponsoring company before applying for the permit
• visit the official website for the work visa application
• fill out the online application form and attach all required documents
• pay the online fee
• once the application is submitted, you can check the status of your application online on the above website by logging into your account
• wait for your visa to be processed.

Cost

The cost of a Malaysia work visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For instance, the Malaysia Employment Pass costs RM 200 per year, and there is an additional processing fee of RM 125. Meanwhile, the Malaysia Professional Visit Pass costs RM 90 per quarter or RM 360 per year.

However, please keep in mind that these fees are subject to change and may vary based on your specific situation. It is recommended to check with the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country to get the most up-to-date information on visa fees.

Validity and processing time

Work permits for Malaysia are generally issued for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years. However, the validity period may vary depending on the employment term and other relevant details.

The processing time for a Malaysia work visa application usually takes about 7 working days. However, the timeframe for receiving the letter of acceptance may vary. It is recommended to apply in advance to avoid any delays in the visa processing.