Malaysia Office Support Staff Jobs for Foreign Workers

Malaysia is a strong economy in Southeast Asia. Big cities like Kuala Lumpur (KL), Selangor, and Penang are important business centers. There is always need for good office support staff. Jobs like administrative assistant and secretary are common. Many big companies, called Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and Shared Service Centres (SSCs), hire for these roles. But for foreign workers, it is not easy to get these non-executive jobs. You need the right visa from the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). This guide explains everything about the Employment Pass (EP) Category 3. This is the main visa for clerical jobs with sponsorship in Malaysia.

Visa Classification: The EP Category 3 Difference

High-level and senior foreign workers get Employment Pass (EP) Category I or II. But for office support staff jobs, like administrative or secretary roles, the visa is usually EP Category 3. These jobs are skilled but not managerial. The main differences are in salary requirements and how long the pass lasts.

Understanding the Employment Pass (EP) Tiers

The EP system decides which foreign workers a Malaysian company can hire. Here is a simple table of the tiers:

For an administrative assistant visa in Malaysia, the salary must fit EP Category 3. Right now, the average salary for an administrative assistant in Malaysia is around RM 2,500 to RM 3,500 per month. But for foreign workers to qualify for EP Category 3, the job offer needs to be at least RM 3,000. Many office roles pay locals less, so companies must offer more to sponsor foreigners.

If the salary is below RM 3,000, companies cannot use EP. They might try other passes like Pas Lawatan (Kerja Sementara) or PLKS. But these are for low-skilled jobs in factories or farms. They do not work for office or clerical jobs.

The Challenge for Non-Executive Roles

Many people ask: Can a Malaysian company sponsor a visa for non-executive staff? The answer is yes, but it is not easy.

• Yes, it is possible with EP Category 3 for skilled non-executive positions.
• But the company has heavy rules. They must show that the job needs special skills, like speaking many languages or knowing a certain region well. They must prove no local Malaysian can do the job. The ESD checks this carefully.

Companies want to hire locals first. Sponsoring a foreigner costs more and needs strong reasons. For simple office support, it is hard. But if you have unique skills, it can work.

Visa Application: Your Qualifications and the 3-Step Process

The company applies for your work permit in Malaysia for 2026. It is their job. But you must give them your documents and meet the rules.

Eligibility for an Administrative Assistant EP

To get EP Category 3 for office support, you need:

• A real job offer and contract from a company registered with ESD.
• Good qualifications, like a diploma, degree, or professional certificate that fits the job.
• At least 2 to 3 years of work experience in similar roles.

Jobs with no experience and visa sponsorship are very rare in Malaysia. The EP system helps fill skill gaps that locals cannot. Without education or experience, companies cannot explain why they need a foreigner. Locals can do basic admin jobs easily.

Many foreigners look for office support jobs with no experience. But it is almost impossible. You need to show real value. For example, if you speak rare languages or have experience from another country that helps the company.

The Employer’s Visa Application Process

The company applies online through the ESD portal. Here are the main steps:

1. Company registers with ESD and gets quota approval for foreign posts.
2. They submit the EP application with your documents: contract, certificates, resume, and more.
3. If approved, you get a Visa with Reference (VDR) to enter Malaysia. After you arrive, the pass is stamped in your passport by immigration.

The process takes time. Companies must plan ahead. You cannot apply yourself. It all depends on the employer.

Where to Search: High-Demand Sectors

To find secretary or administrative assistant jobs with Employment Pass in Malaysia, look in sectors that need foreign talent. These companies are allowed to hire expatriates.

• Shared Service Centres (SSCs): Many in Cyberjaya and Selangor. They handle back-office work for big global companies. They need staff who speak many languages for finance, HR, and IT support.
• Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Big companies in Kuala Lumpur. They need foreign staff for regional work and coordination.
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): Many clerical jobs here. They need people with special language or technical skills.

These places often sponsor visas. Search job sites for roles that say “Employment Pass sponsorship” or “expatriate welcome”. Focus on big companies registered with ESD.

Look in KL and Selangor first. These areas have most opportunities. Penang also has some. Smaller places have fewer chances.

Conclusion: A Structured Approach is Key

Getting office support staff jobs in Malaysia as a foreigner needs careful planning. You must understand the visa rules for Work Permit Malaysia 2026. Focus on EP Category 3 roles with salary from RM 3,000 to RM 4,999.

Be realistic. Not every job sponsors foreigners. Target ESD-registered companies. Look for jobs that need your special skills.

Call to Action: Start searching big MNCs and SSCs in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Check job ads that mention “Employment Pass sponsorship”. Prepare your resume and certificates. Think about what unique skills you have that locals do not.

Disclaimer:

This information is for learning only. Rules for Employment Pass (EP) Malaysia can change. Salary requirements and other details come from the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and Expatriate Services Division (ESD). Always check official government websites for the latest rules before you apply or make plans.