LETTER | The struggle of non-citizen spouses of Malaysians to access employment in Malaysia is a pressing issue that undermines family unity, economic growth, and the nation’s commitment to equality.
Outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape have left many non-citizen spouses unable to contribute to their Malaysian families and the economy, despite their qualifications and willingness to work. This systemic restriction is not just a barrier for individuals - it weakens Malaysian binational families and deprives the nation of valuable talent and resources.
As we look towards 2025, Family Frontiers and the Foreign Spouses Support Group (FSSG) echo a hopeful call for change in Malaysia. We fully support the recent acknowledgements by the Home Ministry, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), and the Small and Medium Enterprises Association towards the restrictions faced by non-citizen spouses in accessing employment.
With this new interest in prioritising employment reform, it will empower non-citizen spouses of Malaysians to integrate fully into Malaysian society, strengthen families, and unlock Malaysia’s potential in the competitive global economy.
According to a survey conducted by Family Frontiers in 2024, 63 percent feel that the employment prohibition statement on their Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVPs) affects their ability to find a job in Malaysia. Additionally, between 2020 and 2024, only 11.4 percent of non-citizen wives applied for work endorsements. This low percentage highlights the significant barriers posed by restrictive policies.
Many non-citizen spouses echo that the statement of prohibition from employment on their visas, also discourages companies from extending job offers, as it involves significant time and effort to complete the work endorsement process to remove the prohibition statement from their LTSVPs.
Additionally, some spouses face additional challenges due to having to secure employment in the same state as the place of residence.
"I couldn’t find a job in this area, or even the whole state - most opportunities are on the West Coast. And immigration says I have to work in my wife's city, in her state," said Oscar, a non-citizen spouse who holds a PhD.
As Small and Medium Enterprises Association chairperson William Ng emphasised, the potential for misuse and exploitation is minimal compared to the significant benefits for both the country and the non-citizen spouses.
Allowing non-citizen spouses easier and unrestricted access to employment can yield numerous benefits for Malaysia. It can attract global talent while retaining local talent, addressing the ongoing issue of brain drain.
This policy also promotes Malaysian family values by fostering greater well-being, health, and stronger relationships within families. Additionally, it strengthens household finances, ensuring income security and stability.
On a broader scale, such measures can boost the Malaysian economy by increasing human capital, attracting foreign investment, enhancing cash flow within the country, and generating taxable income.
Family Frontiers and FSSG urge the Home Ministry to lift employment restrictions for non-citizen spouses and grant immediate work authorization upon marriage registration. We also call for a streamlined, standardised endorsement process to enable spouses to work across states without delays or job-specific limits.
The ministry must prioritise collaborations with stakeholders - including MEF and the Small and Medium Enterprises, Family Frontiers, affected families, and civil society to shape inclusive policies that empower and protect binational families.
As Malaysia strives to be a nation that champions family values, addressing the systemic barriers faced by non-citizen spouses must become a national priority. Granting unrestricted employment access is a reflection of Malaysia’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and family well-being. By lifting these restrictions, the Home Ministry can foster resilient families, protect human dignity, and unlock the full potential of Malaysian binational families.
Let 2025 mark the beginning of a future where every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress, paving the way for a brighter future for all families in Malaysia.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.