Archive · 22 Sep 2026
India Warns Nationals Against Malaysian Visa-Free Job Searches
India has warned its citizens not to use Malaysia’s visa-free travel option to look for jobs.
The option allows Indian passport holders to stay for up to 30 days.
It is meant only for tourism and social visits.
People who work without the right permission may break Malaysian immigration rules.
They could overstay or be detained.
Some dishonest agents have reportedly made false promises about jobs.
Workers should get a valid work permit or Visa With Reference before traveling for employment.
Tourists should carry a return ticket and hotel booking.
They must also submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card three days before arriving.
Their passports should be valid for at least six months.
India’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur warned nationals not to use Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry to seek employment.
The facility is intended for tourism and social visits and does not authorize work.
The mission said false job promises from unscrupulous agents could lead to overstays, illegal status, exploitation, detention and legal action.
Workers must obtain a valid Malaysian work permit or Visa With Reference before traveling for employment.
Tourists should carry a return ticket, hotel booking, MDAC submission proof and a passport valid for at least six months.
- Who
- The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur and Indian nationals traveling to Malaysia.
- What
- The High Commission advised Indian nationals not to use Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry to seek employment.
- When
- The advisory was issued on Tuesday.
- Where
- Malaysia, including entry through Malaysian immigration.
- Why
- The mission reported an increase in job-seeking arrivals and warned of false job offers, immigration violations, exploitation, detention and legal action.
- Visa-free duration
- Indian passport holders may stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days under the facility.
- Permitted activities
- The facility is intended for tourism and social visits only.
- Work authorization
- Employment requires a valid work permit or Visa With Reference (VDR).
- Tourist documents
- Travelers should carry a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking and verifiable travel documents.
- Arrival Card
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card must be submitted online three days before arrival.
- Passport validity
- Passports should be valid for at least six months.
- Visa-waiver period
- The exemption is reported to remain in place until December 31, 2026.
