KUALA LUMPUR - India has warned its nationals not to use Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry to seek employment after reporting a noticeable increase in Indians arriving for that purpose.
The High Commission of India issued the warning in a Sept. 22 advisory, saying the visa-free facility does not authorise employment.
It also warned that some Indian nationals were being misled by unscrupulous agents offering false job promises, exposing them to possible overstay, irregular immigration status, exploitation, detention and legal action.
Malaysia has extended visa-free entry for Indian passport holders through Dec. 31, 2026, for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, social or transit purposes, according to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry’s guidance for Indian travellers. The exemption does not provide permission to work.
For short visits, Indian passport holders are required to have a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return flight tickets and a confirmed hotel booking, and to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days before arrival. The Indian High Commission urged travellers to comply with those requirements.
The warning comes amid Malaysian enforcement against foreigners working while holding social-visit passes. Authorities said in July that 451 foreigners had been arrested through July 15 for allegedly working while holding such passes, an enforcement issue previously reported.
Indian nationals travelling to Malaysia for employment must instead follow the appropriate employment and immigration process.
Malaysia’s foreign-worker procedures require workers in covered categories to enter using a Visa With Reference issued by the Immigration Department and an entry visa issued by a Malaysian representative office.
Employers must also comply with current labour-department approval, quota and sector restrictions.
“Indian nationals are strictly advised not to travel to Malaysia for work / employment purpose without work permit or visa with reference (VDR),” the High Commission said.