Malaysia•AsiaPL(KS) — Temporary Employment Pass (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara)
At a Glance
Varies
From MYR RM 185
Other charges may apply
Up to 10 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Work pass for semi-skilled and unskilled workers from 15 approved nations in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, plantation, and services; renewable up to two times.
The Temporary Employment Pass (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara or PLKS) is a work permit for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers in Malaysia's manufacturing, construction, plantation, agriculture, and services sectors. The employer acts as sponsor and must hold valid foreign worker quota approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before initiating the visa process.
The pass is tied to a specific employer and location, valid for up to 12 months and renewable up to two additional times. It is a Visa With Reference (VDR) category, requiring the employer to apply within Malaysia; upon approval, the worker obtains a VDR to present at a Malaysian embassy in their home country before traveling for final endorsement. Spouses may not work under this visa.
This visa is ideal for semi-skilled workers from approved South and Southeast Asian countries seeking temporary employment in Malaysia's labor-intensive sectors with employer sponsorship.
Cost Breakdown
Eligible Nationalities (15)
Bangladesh
Cambodia
India
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Laos
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Pakistan
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
VietnamRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a foreign national from approved source countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam).
Must be aged between 18 and 45 years.
Must be employed in approved sectors: Manufacturing, Construction, Plantation, Agriculture, or Services.
Must possess a valid passport with at least 12 months validity.
Must pass a medical examination by a clinic registered with FOMEMA and be certified fit to work.
Employer must have a valid foreign worker quota approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (OSC).
Must have successfully passed the Immigration Security Clearance (ISC) in the home country.
Must be hired by a Malaysian employer who acts as the sponsor.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Visa With Reference (VDR) application form (Forms IM.12 and IM.38).
Original approval letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs (OSC).
Copy of the worker's passport.
Passport-sized photograph meeting Malaysian requirements.
Medical report from an approved medical center in the home country.
Proof of payment for the foreign worker levy.
Security bond or bank guarantee (valid for at least 18 months).
Stamped personal bond form.
Employment contract.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Semi-skilled/unskilled workers qualifying; no education or prior experience required
- Work authorization included; legal employment in 5 approved sectors
- Employer-sponsored with Ministry quota system ensures formal authorization
- Medical fitness assessment ensures worker health standards
- Renewable up to 2 additional times (maximum 3 total periods)
- Accessible to nationals from 15 approved South and Southeast Asian countries
Worth Knowing
- Age restricted to 18-45 years; workers must be repatriated upon expiration
- Strictly tied to single employer; cannot change employers without formal authorization
- Annual renewal requires continued employer quota compliance and health certification
- Spouse cannot work; dependents not qualifying for accompanying visas
- Only nationals from 15 specified countries (BD, KH, IN, ID, KZ, LA, MM, NP, PK, PH, LK, TH, TM, UZ, VN) qualifying
- Security bond of RM 250-1,500 required as employer financial guarantee
Application Process
Employer registers with ESD
Company registers on Expatriate Services Division portal
Employer applies for EP
Submit employment pass application via ESD
Obtain entry visa
Applicant applies for entry visa at Malaysian embassy
Enter Malaysia
Applicant enters with entry visa
Register at immigration
Report to immigration office upon arrival
Receive EP approval
Employment Pass approval and card issuance
Related visas
More visas in Malaysia
Work visas in other countries
- EU Blue Card
Netherlands
- Employment Pass (EP)
Singapore
- Temporary Residence Permit - Employment
Azerbaijan
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