EP-II — Employment Pass Category II (Pas Penggajian Kategori II)

The Employment Pass Category II (EP II) is a work permit issued by the Malaysian government to foreign professionals recruited for managerial, executive, or technical positions. It was established as part of Malaysia's strategy to facilitate the entry of skilled expatriates who contribute to the nation's economic development, particularly within the National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs). The pass is managed primarily through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This visa is ideal for mid-level professionals and technical specialists who have secured employment in Malaysia with a monthly salary ranging from MYR 5,000 to MYR 9,999. It serves as a middle-tier option between the high-level Category I and the entry-level Category III. A key distinguishing feature of the EP II is the requirement for the sponsoring employer to justify the need for a foreign hire over a local candidate, often involving mandatory job advertising on national portals.