The Financial Express reports that employers in Malaysia must now submit a ‘change of category letter’ when adjusting employment pass categories for foreign nationals during the application approval process. The employment pass (EP) is a work permit that enables an expatriate to take up employment with an organisation in Malaysia. The pass is subject to the contract of employment (up to 60 months). Employment pass holders may apply for a dependant pass for the spouse and children (under 18 years of age). Foreign workers can only work for the company named in the Employment Pass. If they change company, they need to resubmit their application.

The process implemented recently by the Malaysian Immigration Department requires employers or companies to cancel the current employment pass when applying for a change of category. However, effective from 1 January 2025, employers or companies also need to submit a ‘change of category letter’ at the approval stage of the application.