The Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur warned of fake job offers from fraudulent agents, highlighting Malaysia visa-free entry for Indians.
It urged genuine tourists to carry valid documents, including a return ticket, hotel booking, and a passport valid for at least six months.
The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur warns Indian nationals. They should avoid using Malaysia visa-free entry for Indians to seek employment. This follows a rise in cases involving fraudulent job offers and illegal work.
In an advisory issued on September 22, the mission said an increasing number of Indian nationals have been traveling to Malaysia under the visa-free facility to find jobs.
The High Commission warned that many are being misled by fraudulent agents who promise employment. They promise jobs, but travelers risk visa overstays and legal action, which relates to Malaysia visa-free entry for Indians.
Visa-Free Entry Is for Tourism and Social Visits
The Indian mission clarified that Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free facility for Indian passport holders is intended for tourism and social visits.
It does not permit visitors to take up employment.
Indian nationals planning to work in Malaysia should obtain the appropriate employment authorization before traveling. The High Commission’s guidance for Indian workers warns that working without the required documents can lead to arrest and fines. This matters for Malaysia visa-free entry for Indians.
The latest advisory specifically cautions against traveling on the promise that a work permit will be arranged after arrival.
Fake Job Offers Raise Concern
According to the High Commission, fraudulent agents have been using job offers to attract Indian nationals to Malaysia.
Travelers who enter the country expecting to find work may subsequently find themselves without legal employment status or unable to return before their permitted stay expires.
The mission said such situations can expose individuals to exploitation by employers and action from Malaysian authorities.
The warning comes as Indian authorities continue to caution prospective workers about relying solely on recruitment agents without verifying employment and immigration documents.
Documents Genuine Tourists Should Carry
For Indian nationals traveling to Malaysia for tourism or social visits, the High Commission has advised travelers to carry valid and verifiable travel documents.
These include:
- A confirmed return air ticket
- Hotel booking details
- A passport valid for at least six months
- The required Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Travelers are required to submit the MDAC online before arrival, in accordance with Malaysian entry requirements.
Carrying supporting documents can also help genuine tourists address questions from immigration authorities regarding the purpose and duration of their visit.
Work Requires the Appropriate Permission
The High Commission has reiterated that Indian nationals should not travel to Malaysia for employment without securing the appropriate work authorization.
Its existing worker guidelines state that those taking up legal employment need a valid Indian passport, the appropriate Malaysian employment visa and an employment contract, among other requirements.
The mission also advises prospective workers to verify their employment arrangements and avoid relying only on promises made by recruiting agents.
Advisory Follows Increase in Job-Seeking Travel
The September 22 advisory reflects growing concern over Indian nationals traveling to Malaysia under tourist entry arrangements with the intention of finding employment.
For genuine tourists, the message is straightforward: visa-free entry does not change the purpose of the visit.
For Indians planning to work in Malaysia, the required employment documentation needs to be secured before traveling rather than relying on a job offer or an agent’s promise after arrival.
The High Commission’s warning is aimed at preventing travelers from becoming caught in illegal employment arrangements, overstaying their permitted stay, or facing exploitation and legal action in Malaysia.
Source: Gulf News
