Malaysia Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker) for Bangladeshis
Last verified: October 1, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $400
- Start preparing
- about 6 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
The main route for manufacturing, construction, plantation, agriculture and services work. Recruitment of Bangladeshi workers was frozen in mid-2024 over exploitation and inflated fees, and only reopened for all sectors in late August 2026 — so treat everything about this corridor as newly restarted. Your Malaysian employer must hold an approved quota through the FWCMS eQuota system, and you must be recruited through an agency on the FWCMS-published list: 25 directly selected Bangladeshi agencies plus 250 associates and 62 operating under the state-owned BOESL. Anyone recruiting outside that list, or asking for fees far above the official schedule, is the exact problem that caused the freeze. BMET clearance is mandatory before departure. The pass does not allow family and does not lead to residency.
This page covers Bangladeshis. For every nationality we track, see the Malaysia Temporary Employment Pass overview.
Requirements for Bangladeshis
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $400. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Verify your recruiting agency appears on the FWCMS listFWCMS lists 25 directly selected agencies, expanded to 338 with associates and BOESL-affiliated ones.
- Confirm the official fee schedule and refuse to exceed itThe government sets the migration cost; keep receipts for every payment.
- Confirm your employer holds an approved FWCMS quotaQuota approval goes through the KESUMA FWCMS eQuota module, the only channel since 6 July 2026.
- Obtain the employment contract and calling visa (VDR)Issued by Malaysian Immigration as a Visa with Reference once quota and your details are approved.
- Complete the FOMEMA-recognised medical examination in BangladeshDone at an approved centre before departure, with a further FOMEMA screening after arrival in Malaysia.
- Renew passport if validity is under 18 months
- Complete BMET registration and obtain the smart cardRegister at probashi.gov.bd, pay the fee and give biometrics at your district office.
- Attend the pre-departure orientationCovers Malaysian labour law, your rights, wage protections and complaint channels.
- Travel and complete FOMEMA medical within 30 daysMandatory post-arrival screening arranged by your employer, to be completed within 30 days.
- Receive your Temporary Employment Pass and i-KadThe i-Kad is your identity document in Malaysia.
- Keep your passport in your own possessionMalaysian law does not entitle your employer to retain your passport.
- Register with the Bangladesh High CommissionRegistration enables consular assistance in wage or contract disputes.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker) takes about 6 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Malaysia Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker) take for Bangladeshis?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $400. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Bangladeshis need a job offer for the Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Malaysia is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Temporary Employment Pass (Foreign Worker)?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Malaysia visas for Bangladeshis
Other destinations for Bangladeshis
Malaysia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.