Malaysia has updated the minimum salary requirement for foreign workers holding an Employment Pass. The new threshold, effective June 1, 2026, doubles the minimum salary for Category I workers to RM20,000.
The change aims to prioritize local employment by making it harder for foreign workers to qualify for work visas. Previously, the minimum salary for Category I was RM10,000. The government argues the adjustment will help reduce unemployment among Malaysians.
This policy shift follows years of debate over foreign labor and its impact on the domestic workforce. Officials have emphasized the need to balance economic growth with national employment goals. The new rules will apply to all new Employment Pass applications starting next year.
