Advisory urges Indians to avoid fraudulent agents and carry valid documents.
The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals travelling to Malaysia not to seek employment while on tourist visas, citing a sharp rise in such cases in recent months.
According to the advisory, an increasing number of Indian nationals have been entering Malaysia under its 30-day visa-free facility with the intention of finding work. The mission said many are being misled by unscrupulous agents who make false job promises, leaving travellers at risk of visa overstays, illegal residency, workplace exploitation, detention by local authorities and subsequent legal action.
The High Commission clarified that Malaysia’s visa-free entry scheme, which allows Indian passport holders to stay in the country for up to 30 days, is intended solely for tourism and social visits and does not permit employment.
To help genuine tourists avoid immigration-related complications on arrival, the advisory urged travellers to carry valid and verifiable documents, including a confirmed return air ticket, hotel booking details and a passport with at least six months’ validity.
Travellers were also reminded to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least three days before their scheduled arrival.
The mission reiterated that Indian nationals must not travel to Malaysia for work or employment without first obtaining the appropriate work permit or Visa With Reference (VDR).
The advisory, dated September 22, 2026, comes amid growing concerns over the exploitation of Indian job-seekers by fraudulent recruitment agents operating across Southeast Asia.
