Kuala Lumpur - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Telecommute, some gigs at the embassy. - May 2022
I am currently employed as a teacher at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) along with a few other embassy spouses. A bilateral work agreement was passed two years ago allowing diplomatic spouses to work. - Apr 2017
Many spouses are teachers or become employed family members working in their embassy. There are full and part-time jobs available. Not all spouses work. Some spouses telecommute from jobs they held before moving to KL. - Apr 2017
Not really. I believe spouses are not authorized employment other than in the international schools, but I'm not really sure. - May 2016
Yes. - Aug 2013
No. Compensation, visa requirements, and starting private businesses can be a nightmare. - Aug 2011
Spouses of diplomatic staff are not permitted to work in Malaysia, outside of the Embassy. - Mar 2011
For diplomatic spouses there is no work unless at the Embassy. No teaching jobs, nothing. There has been a new law passed and now some expat spouses can get work permits somehow. - May 2009
Not for embassy spouses. The Embassy will not let you work even if you find a job, which is hard anyway. - Mar 2009
Not if you are with the Embassy. EFMs have decent job opportunities within the embassy. There are some volunteer opportunities, otherwise nothing locally. - Jul 2008
Not for Americans. NONE. There is no bilateral work agreement. It is a shame as there is a tremendous need for American expertise in medicine, high-tech, and tourism...but alas, the local government apparently doesn't see it that way. - May 2008
