Planning to work in Malaysia? India warns against using visa-free entry to find jobs

India’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has warned Indian nationals against using Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free entry facility to seek job. The mission said some travellers are being misled by agents offering false job promises and could face overstaying, exploitation, detention and legal action.

Indian nationals travelling to Malaysia have been warned against using the country's 30-day visa-free entry facility to look for employment.

The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur said it had observed a “noticeable increase” in Indian nationals entering Malaysia through the visa-free route to seek jobs. In an advisory posted on X on Tuesday, the mission said some travellers were being misled by “unscrupulous agents” making false employment promises.

The warning comes as Malaysia continues to allow Indian passport holders visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Malaysia's official immigration information says the exemption remains in place until December 31, 2026.

Visa-free entry is not valid for employment

The High Commission said the 30-day facility is intended for tourism and social visits and does not permit employment.

Indian nationals travelling to Malaysia for work must instead have the required employment documentation, including a valid work permit or Visa With Reference (VDR). The Malaysian Immigration Department also states that a Visa With Reference is used for purposes including work, subject to the required approval.

The Indian mission warned that people attempting to use the tourist facility to find employment could face overstaying, illegal status, exploitation, detention and legal action.

The High Commission separately advises Indian workers planning legal employment in Malaysia to travel with a valid Malaysian visa and employment-related documents.

What genuine tourists need to carry

The mission has also advised genuine tourists to carry documents that can be verified by Malaysian immigration authorities.

These include a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking and a passport valid for at least six months. Indian passport holders must also submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online three days before arrival. Malaysia's official guidance lists the same requirements for Indian travellers entering under the visa waiver.

Why the warning matters

The High Commission's advisory follows previous instances in which Indian travellers faced entry-related issues in Malaysia over suspected job-seeking, inadequate accommodation proof, insufficient funds or missing return tickets.

The mission's latest warning specifically highlights the risks of relying on agents promising employment and travelling under a facility that does not authorise work.

For Indians travelling to Malaysia for employment, the High Commission's existing guidance recommends having the appropriate visa, employment contract and employer details before departure.

About the Author

Anjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour.<br><br> Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, reporting on media, advertising, entertainment, health, lifestyle and popular culture.<br><br> Anjali holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miranda House, and is currently pursuing an MBA, strengthening her understanding of business strategy and digital media economics. Her writing balances newsroom discipline with a clear instinct for what resonates with readers.

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