Malaysia – Spouses of Employment Pass holders permitted to work.
26 March 2009The Malaysian Immigration Department has published new regulations that allow spouses on a Dependent Pass to take paid employment after obtaining an endorsement in their passport by the Immigration Department. They no longer need their own Employment Pass or Visit Pass Temporary Employment. A job offer is required and the employer needs to have approval from the relevant authority (MIDA, MDEC, Central Bank of Malaysia, Securities Commission or Public Service Department of Malaysia). At the same time, husbands of Employment Pass holders may now apply for a Dependant Pass. Previously, they were only eligible for a Long Term Social Visit Pass.
“Given that dual careers are increasingly important, these changes will make it easier for companies in Malaysia to attract highly skilled international employees” said Jonathan Kohn, chairman of Permits Foundation Malaysia network and HR director of Shell Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Permits Foundation is a global corporate initiative that promotes open work permits for the spouses of international staff worldwide.
With its latest change, Malaysia joins a growing number of best practice countries that recognise the needs of spouses in their work permit policies. Singapore has a similar policy to that introduced in Malaysia. Hong Kong, The UK, Australia, Canada, France, The Netherlands and other countries allow accompanying spouses to work for any employer, or be self-employed, during the assignment.
“Making it easier for spouses to work means that they too can contribute to the local economy.” said Melini Mahmud, regional employee support manager for Schlumberger in Brunei, Malaysia and Philippines. “Malaysian international staff and their families benefit from similar arrangements when they are posted abroad.” she added. “We will be expressing our thanks to the Immigration Department of Malaysia and Permits Foundation will continue to raise the issue with governments in other countries in Asia and worldwide.” added Jonathan Kohn.
