Malaysia’s immigration authorities have clarified how the Employment Pass (EP) minimum‑salary revisions, slated to take effect on 1 June 2026, will be applied to pending and future applications.
Transitional provisions
- Applications received before 1 June 2026 – Any EP application that is fully completed and submitted prior to the revision date will be assessed against the current salary thresholds, provided all required documents are included.
- Renewal filings – EP renewals must still be lodged within the standard three‑month window before the existing pass expires; the new salary floor does not alter this timing.
- One‑year exemption for EP Category III (EPIII) in Global Business Services (GBS) – Roles that require native or near‑native language proficiency are exempt from the new salary floor for an additional year. These applications can continue to be evaluated under the existing salary criteria until 1 June 2027, subject to approval by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) after its eligibility assessment and verification.
Practical steps for employers
- Prioritise submission of any EP applications that are close to completion before the 1 June 2026 deadline to benefit from the current salary requirements.
- Companies with qualifying GBS‑sector EPIII positions should contact MDEC promptly to confirm eligibility for the extended exemption and to understand the documentation needed for verification.
- Monitor forthcoming guidance from the authorities for any further details or procedural updates.
The announcement follows the Expats Service Centre’s notice on 21 May 2026 regarding the upcoming salary changes. This information is provided for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice.
Source article: newlandchase.com
