Malaysia: New Restriction in Obtaining Employment Pass in Sarawak, East Malaysia

As observed in recent practice, Sarawak immigration is no longer endorsing/accepting Employment Passes for applicants that already have a valid Sabah Work Pass in the same passport. Applicants who are Malaysian nationals can hold a Sarawak Employment Pass and Sabah Work Pass simultaneously by having these statuses in two different passports (i.e. international red passport and domestic blue passport). Foreign nationals with a Sabah Work Pass in their passport who need to work in Sarawak are advised to obtain a Sarawak Professional Visit Pass instead of a Sarawak Employment Pass (note however, that the maximum duration for the Professional Visit Pass is 12 months in a lifetime).