How Hard Is Singapore Work Visa for Malaysians?

It is generally easier for Malaysians to obtain jobs and work visas in Singapore compared to other nationalities, due to geographic proximity, shared cultural ties, language compatibility, and existing workforce demand. Singapore and Malaysia have a long-standing history of labor movement, with tens of thousands of Malaysians already working in sectors across Singapore.

1. How Difficult Is It to Get a Job and Work Visa?

• For skilled and educated Malaysians, it is not very difficult to secure a job in Singapore, especially in industries like IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, education, and skilled trades.

• Malaysians are highly favored due to their ability to communicate fluently in English, Malay, and Chinese, which aligns with Singapore’s multilingual environment.

• Employers often prefer hiring Malaysians over other foreign workers due to similar work ethics, education systems, and cultural fit.

However:

• Competition is high, especially for roles open to all ASEAN nationals.

• Visa approvals are still subject to foreign workforce quotas and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidelines.

• Low-skilled jobs are harder to get due to quota restrictions and levies placed on employers hiring foreigners.

2. Malaysians Most Likely to Get Work Visas

• University graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or finance.

• Professionals with specialized certifications (e.g., in IT, finance, architecture, healthcare).

• Experienced tradespeople or technicians in demand sectors.

• Young graduates from reputable Malaysian institutions looking for entry-level roles in MNCs or startups.

• Bilingual or trilingual candidates who can serve diverse customer bases.

These individuals are often eligible for Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass, depending on salary and qualifications.

3. If It’s Easier, Why Don’t More Malaysians Move to Singapore?

There are several reasons why not every eligible Malaysian chooses to work in Singapore:

• Cost of Living: Although salaries are higher in Singapore, so are housing and transportation costs. The net gain may not be as large for some.

• Family and Lifestyle: Many Malaysians prefer to stay close to family or may not want to relocate for lifestyle reasons.

• Job Market Saturation: Not all industries are actively hiring foreign talent. Some roles are increasingly reserved for Singapore citizens or permanent residents.

• Work Pressure: Singapore is known for a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, which may not appeal to everyone.

• Return Migration: Many Malaysians move temporarily, gain experience, and later return home to pursue local opportunities or business ventures.

Conclusion:

For qualified Malaysians, getting a job and work visa in Singapore is relatively straightforward, especially in skilled or in-demand professions. They enjoy a natural advantage in language, cultural familiarity, and regional mobility. However, lifestyle choices, competition, and economic factors mean not every eligible Malaysian makes the move—even when opportunities are available.