Employment of Expatriate Personnel
The Malaysian government is desirous that Malaysians are eventually trained and employed at all levels of employment. Thus, companies are encouraged to train more Malaysians so that the employment pattern at all levels of the organisation reflects the multi-racial composition of the country.
Notwithstanding this, where there is a shortage of trained Malaysians, companies are allowed to bring in expatriate personnel i.e. ‘key post’ or ‘time post’. Key posts are posts that are permanently filled by foreigners whereby time posts are positions filled within a specified period.
Types of Expatriate Posts
Expatriates are foreigners who are qualified to fulfill the following positions:
- Key Post
These are high level managerial posts in foreign-owned private companies and firms operating in Malaysia. Key posts are posts essential for companies to safeguard their interests and investments. The expatriates are responsible in determining the company’s policies in achieving its goal and objectives. - Time Post
- Executive Post
These are intermediate level of managerial and professional posts. The post requires professional qualifications, practical experience, skills and expertise related to the respective jobs. The expatriates are responsible in implementing the company’s policies and supervision of staff. - Non-Executive Post
These are posts for the performance of technical jobs that require specific technical or practical skills and experience.
- Executive Post
Guidelines on the Employment of Expatriate Personnel
There are two stages in the employment of expatriates:
- Application for an expatriate post from relevant authorised bodies determined by the nature of the business.
- Upon approval of the expatriate posts by the approving bodies, the company must submit an application to the Immigration Department for endorsement of the employment pass.
