The situation
The Central Immigration Department of Kuching, Sarawak, has announced that effective October 29, 2018, employers seeking to obtain an Employment Pass (EP) or Professional Visit Pass (PVP) in the regions of Kuching, Miri or Bintulu must ensure those foreign nationals do not hold valid work passes in West Malaysia, Sabah and/ or the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Impact
If the employee holds a concurrent work pass in one of these regions, the employer must submit a Work Pass cancelation request and the request must be approved before the employer can apply for a Sarawak EP or PVP.
The work pass cancelation process involves submission of the original passport to the Immigration Department to cancel the work pass, which could take up to three business days. The foreign national’s travel may be limited while their passport is maintained by the Immigration Department.
Background
The policy was presumably introduced to disallow foreign employees from holding multiple work passes in Malaysia and to encourage employers to hire local Sarawakians. Past practices align with protection of the local workforce as well, as exemplified by a moratorium imposed by the Sarawak Immigration Department on EP applications on behalf of employees in the oil and gas industry in August 2016; and the enforcement of the rule to advertise available positions for EP applications filed in Kuching without any exceptions or exemptions in September 2016.
Looking ahead
Fragomen projects that other regions in East Malaysia will adopt this restriction as well. Fragomen will report on developments as they occur.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.
Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.
Blog post
Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Blog post
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.
Fragomen news
Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.
Awards
Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.
Media mentions
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.
Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.
Blog post
Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Blog post
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.
Fragomen news
Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.
Awards
Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.
Media mentions
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.