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Foreign Worker Recruitment Process in Malaysia — Your Complete Compliance Guide

Streamline your foreign worker recruitment with a licensed recruitment agency in Malaysia. We manage the entire hiring process — from KDN quota approval and MOHR documentation to Immigration clearance and FOMEMA medical screening — ensuring full legal compliance and a seamless onboarding experience.

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Complete Guide to Hiring Foreign Workers in Malaysia (2025)

Hiring foreign workers in Malaysia requires strict adherence to MOHR, KDN, and Immigration Department guidelines. Our professional recruitment services ensure HR departments meet every legal requirement efficiently — reducing delays, risks, and penalties.

Key Regulatory Authorities:

Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) Department of Labour (JTKSM) Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) Immigration Department of Malaysia
Note: The government has agreed to grant facilitation for foreign worker quota applications on a case-by-case basis to three sectors until December 31, 2025

Our End-to-End Foreign Worker Recruitment Services

  • KDN Foreign Worker Quota Application & Approval
  • Overseas Worker Sourcing & Screening
  • Work Visa & Permit Processing (PLKS)
  • Immigration Clearance & Arrival Management
  • FOMEMA Medical Check & Certification
  • ePLKS Renewal & Online Registration
  • Worker Accommodation Compliance (Akta 446)
  • Ongoing HR & Payroll Support (Optional)
For official hiring guidelines, visit the Department of Labour (JTKSM) for updated compliance regulations.
Malaysia Foreign Worker Recruitment Process 2025

Complete Foreign Worker Hiring & Compliance Guide for Employers in Malaysia (2025)

Step-by-step legal framework for Malaysian employers and HR teams — covering eligibility checks, Section 60K approval, quota applications, medical screening, permit issuance, renewals, and repatriation in compliance with MOHR, KDN, and Immigration Department guidelines.

STEP 0 Pre-Recruitment
Sector & Eligibility Validation
Confirm that your company's industry and job position are approved under the latest MOHR and Immigration Department Malaysia guidelines. Only authorized sectors can hire foreign workers in 2025.
Action Items:
  • Check approved sectors: Manufacturing, Construction, Plantation, Agriculture, Services, Mining & Quarrying
  • Confirm eligible source countries (15 approved nations as of 2025)
  • Ensure worker age between 18–45 years
  • Submit proof of local recruitment efforts (Section 60K Employment Act)
  • Disallow front-line roles (cashier, sales, customer-facing positions)
Important: Foreign workers cannot marry Malaysians or other foreigners under VP(TE) terms and are strictly limited to approved roles only.
STEP 1 2–4 Weeks
Section 60K Approval & Quota Application (ePPAx 2.0)
All employers must obtain Section 60K approval via ePPAx 2.0 and apply for quota allocation through the One-Stop Centre (OSC). These are mandatory before recruitment or visa submission.
Action Items:
  • Submit company documents: SSM, EPF, SOCSO, business license, and audited reports
  • Obtain digital approval under Section 60K (valid 12 months)
  • Apply for quota at OSC with full justification
  • Maintain soft and hard copies for audit readiness
Employment Duration: Up to 10 years + 3 years extension (total 13 years) in approved sectors.
STEP 2 Concurrent
Engage a Licensed Recruitment Agency (KDN-Approved)
Appoint a KDN-licensed agency registered under JTKSM to manage documentation, sourcing, and full compliance under bilateral recruitment agreements.
Action Items:
  • Verify KDN license validity on the official MOHA portal
  • Review service contract clauses for compliance and accountability
  • Confirm agency's source country authorization
  • Assess service record and compliance performance
STEP 3 4–8 Weeks
Overseas Recruitment & Pre-Departure Screening
Approved overseas partners handle candidate sourcing, biometric verification, pre-departure medicals, and employment briefings as required by the source country and Malaysian labour policies.
Action Items:
  • Use only authorized sub-agents in approved countries
  • Ensure passports have ≥18 months validity
  • Conduct GAMCA/FWAMS-certified medicals
  • Execute bilingual contracts with clear terms and signatures
  • Provide welfare and rights awareness sessions
Note: Source country restrictions apply (e.g. Indonesia – female workers only in manufacturing; India – selected roles only).
STEP 4 2–3 Weeks
Visa with Reference (VDR) & Levy Payment
Apply for Visa with Reference (VDR) through the Immigration Department and pay the government levy online via FWCMS/eServices.
Action Items:
  • Submit digital VDR application with all documents
  • Pay levy per sector: RM1,850 (Manufacturing, Construction, Services, Mining), RM640 (Plantation, Agriculture)
  • Submit electronic security bond and retain receipts
  • Track status via Immigration portal
2025 Levy Update: Annual levy must be paid before VDR issuance — strict enforcement under new Immigration directive.

Critical Compliance Deadlines (2025)

FOMEMA Medical Examination
Must be completed within 30 days of arrival. Non-compliance triggers automatic repatriation.
PLKS (Work Permit) Issuance
Apply immediately after FOMEMA clearance. Employment without valid PLKS is prohibited.
Immigration Arrival Clearance
Complete online arrival confirmation within 24 hours via Immigration portal.
Permit Renewal Application
Submit 90 days before expiry to prevent levy penalties or lapses.
Check Out Memo (COM)
File immediately upon termination, transfer, or medical rejection — delays are non-compliant.

Essential Documents for Legal Recruitment

Pre-Recruitment Approvals
  • MOHR ePPAx Section 60K approval
  • OSC quota allocation letter (KDN)
  • Licensed agency KDN permit copy
  • Bilingual employment contract
Worker Identification
  • Valid passport (6+ months)
  • MOFA medical certificate
  • Police clearance (if required)
  • Verified skill/education certificates
Medical Compliance
  • FOMEMA medical within 30 days
  • Health clearance reports
  • Vaccination records
  • FOMEMA compliance certificate
Financial & Levy
  • Levy payment receipt (Immigration Malaysia)
  • Security bond (RM1,500 per worker)
  • Payroll & payslip records
  • PERKESO & EPF contributions
Immigration Documents
  • Visa with Reference (VDR)
  • PLKS Work Permit Card
  • i-Kad registration
  • Renewal/extension approvals
Employer Legal Compliance
  • SSM registration & LHDN number
  • Operating license (sector-specific)
  • Employment contracts and wage records
  • Certified accommodation verification

Pre-Hiring Compliance Checklist (2025)

Confirm industry and nationality eligibility
Obtain ePPAx Section 60K approval
Secure OSC quota allocation
Engage licensed KDN agency only
Conduct FOMEMA medical (pre-departure & post-arrival)
Sign bilingual employment contract
Submit VDR & pay levy/security bond
Complete arrival reporting within 24 hours
Apply PLKS & i-Kad immediately after medical clearance
Register PERKESO & EPF (2% + 2%)
Renew permit 3 months before expiry
File COM for repatriation or termination

Compliance Notice: Non-compliance may result in repatriation, blacklisting, or fines up to RM50,000. Always verify latest circulars from MOHR, KDN, and Immigration Malaysia.

Employer Reminder:
  • FOMEMA medical must be done within 30 days — no extensions allowed.
  • All recruitment must use licensed agencies only.
  • Maintain employment and levy records for 3 years minimum.
  • Repatriation and termination must follow Immigration Malaysia protocol.

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Complete Employer Support for Legal & Compliant Foreign Worker Recruitment (2025)

In 2025, Malaysia introduced stricter foreign worker recruitment regulations requiring prior approvals, verified quota applications, and enhanced welfare compliance. Our dedicated compliance team assists employers at every stage — from Section 60K approval to PLKS renewals — ensuring full alignment with MOHR and Immigration Malaysia standards.

Section 60K Approval & Quota Application
  • MOHR ePPAx Section 60K approval (effective Dec 2024)
  • Preparation and submission of employer documentation
  • Quota application and tracking via One Stop Centre (OSC)
  • End-to-end coordination for faster approval turnaround
Collaboration with Licensed Overseas Agencies
  • Partnership with MOHR-licensed foreign recruitment agencies
  • Recruitment only from approved source countries
  • Verification of valid KDN agency permits
  • Compliance with ethical sourcing and international standards
Visa, VDR & Work Permit Processing
  • Visa With Reference (VDR) and ePLKS submissions
  • VP(TE) issuance and Immigration Department follow-ups
  • Comprehensive document preparation and coordination
  • Renewal reminders for uninterrupted work authorization
Medical, EPF & PERKESO Compliance
  • FOMEMA medical examination scheduling within 30 days of arrival
  • PLKS and i-Kad issuance assistance
  • Mandatory EPF (2% employer / 2% employee) from Oct 2025
  • PERKESO social security registration for full legal compliance

From approvals to ongoing compliance, our experts handle every process so employers can hire confidently under Malaysia’s 2025 Foreign Worker Framework.

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No. Male Indonesian workers are permitted in all sectors except manufacturing. Female workers are allowed in all sectors.
  • 🚫 Male Indonesian workers: Not allowed in manufacturing
  • ✅ Female Indonesian workers: Allowed in all sectors

Workers can be recruited from these 15 approved countries:

No. Country Male Female Allowed Sectors
1 🇹🇭 Thailand ✓ ✓ Manufacturing, Construction, Plantation, Agriculture, Services, Mining & Quarrying
2🇰🇭 Cambodia✓✓
3🇳🇵 Nepal✓✓
4🇲🇲 Myanmar✓✓
5🇱🇦 Lao PDR✓✓
6🇻🇳 Vietnam✓✓
7🇵🇭 Philippines✓✗
8🇵🇰 Pakistan✓✓
9🇱🇰 Sri Lanka✓✓
10🇧🇩 Bangladesh✓✓
11🇹🇲 Turkmenistan✓✓
12🇺🇿 Uzbekistan✓✓
13🇰🇿 Kazakhstan✓✓
14 🇮🇳 India ✓ ✓ Services (restaurants only), Construction (high-tension cables), Agriculture, Plantation
15 🇮🇩 Indonesia ✓ ✓ Manufacturing (female only), Construction, Plantation, Agriculture, Services, Mining
⚠️ Special Restrictions:
• Indonesia: Males prohibited in manufacturing
• Philippines: Female workers not allowed
• India: Limited to specific sectors only
No. Workers from India are not permitted to work in the manufacturing sector.
  • 🍽️ Services: Restaurants only (cooks)
  • ⚡ Construction: High-tension cables only
  • 🌾 Agriculture
  • 🌴 Plantation

Foreign workers can be employed in the following approved sectors:

Sector Specific Roles
Manufacturing All manufacturing roles
Construction All construction work
Plantation Palm oil, rubber, etc.
Agriculture Farming and cultivation
Services • Restaurant (Cooks only)
• Cleaning & Sanitation
• Resort Islands
⚡ Typical Processing Time: 4–6 weeks (with complete documentation)

📅 Timeline Breakdown:

# Process Stage Estimated Duration
1 Document Preparation 3–5 working days
2 Medical Examination (FOMEMA) 7–10 working days
3 Government & Immigration Processing 14–21 working days
4 Visa Issuance 3–7 working days
5 Travel & Worker Arrival Arrangements 2–5 working days

⚙️ Factors Affecting Processing Time:

# Factor
1 Completeness and accuracy of submitted documents
2 Worker’s country of origin and bilateral agreements
3 Industry sector and quota approval status
4 Public holidays or government processing delays
Note: Timelines are estimates and may vary depending on documentation, agency coordination, and immigration workflow.
Generally, no. Foreign workers are bound to their employer under their work permit.

Exceptional circumstances where transfers may be approved:

  • 🏢 Company closure or bankruptcy
  • ⚖️ Legal disputes or contract violations
  • 🚨 Safety or welfare concerns
  • 👥 Family reunification cases

Transfer process requires:

  • Written consent from current employer
  • Approval from new employer
  • Immigration Department approval
  • Valid justification for transfer

Required documents from worker:

Personal Documents
  • Valid passport (min. 18 months)
  • Birth certificate
  • Educational certificates
  • Skills certificates (if any)
  • Police clearance certificate
Official Documents
  • Medical examination report
  • Employment contract
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Translated & authenticated documents
  • Insurance documents
📝 Note: We handle document verification, authentication, and translation services to ensure everything meets Malaysian requirements.
Passport, current PLKS copy, visa sticker, FOMEMA medical report, employer documents, proof of levy & insurance payment — submit at least 30 days before expiry.
FOMEMA screening must be conducted at approved clinics within 30 days of arrival and at required intervals. Results are electronically linked to immigration systems.
Stage Timeline Remarks
Initial Screening Within 30 days of arrival Must be conducted at approved FOMEMA clinics
Annual Renewal Check Before permit renewal Mandatory to maintain valid work status
Result Submission Automatically linked to Immigration System No manual report needed by employer

We provide comprehensive end-to-end foreign worker management services:

Pre-Arrival Services
  • Worker recruitment & screening
  • Permit applications (PLKS/VDR)
  • Medical examinations
  • Document processing & authentication
  • Visa applications
Post-Arrival Services
  • Airport pickup & onboarding
  • Accommodation arrangement
  • Insurance coverage (SPIKPA/FWCS)
  • Monthly payroll management
  • Permit renewals & extensions
  • 24/7 support & welfare monitoring

Yes, we conduct ongoing welfare monitoring to ensure worker wellbeing.

  • 🏘️ Regular site visits & accommodation checks
  • 📋 Welfare reporting & grievance handling
  • 📞 24/7 emergency hotline
  • 🤝 Liaison with embassies & labor departments
Our goal is to ensure every worker’s rights, safety, and dignity are maintained.
End-to-end recruitment, documentation, medical coordination, quota & visa handling, accommodation setup, payroll & compliance services, and 24/7 welfare support.
Verify via JTKSM / MOHR / Immigration portals for valid license numbers. Confirm registration and request proof of past compliance/audit reports where possible.
Obligation Requirement Relevant Law/Act
Valid Permits Ensure all workers hold active PLKS permits Immigration Act 1959/63
Wages & Levy Pay salaries and government levies on time Employment Act 1955
Accommodation Provide housing compliant with Act 446 standards Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990
Insurance Insure all workers under SPIKPA/FWCS MOHR Guidelines
Reporting Renew and report permit updates promptly JTKSM Regulations

Government levy rates vary by sector and are payable annually. The following are typical reference bands only — actual amounts are subject to the MTL framework and periodic government updates. Employers should always verify the latest levy rates on the Immigration Department or JTKSM portal before making payment.

Sector Approx. Annual Levy (RM)
Manufacturing≈ 1,850*
Construction≈ 1,850*
Plantation≈ 640*
Agriculture≈ 640*
Services (All Categories)≈ 1,850*
💡 Important: *Figures shown are indicative only and may differ under the Multi-Tier Levy system. Always confirm the latest sector and nationality rates from official government sources.
  • 💰 Fines up to RM50,000 per worker
  • ⚖️ Imprisonment for repeat offences
  • ❌ Business license suspension
Penalties include fines, quota suspension, license revocation, and blacklisting — depending on the nature of the violation.
Report abscondment/termination to Immigration within 24–48 hours. Keep documentation and follow repatriation procedures.
Action Timeline Responsible Party
File Abscondment/Termination Report Within 24–48 hours Employer / HR Department
Notify Immigration Department Immediately after internal filing Authorized Employer Representative
Maintain Documentation Permanent record Company Compliance Officer
Arrange Repatriation (if applicable) As directed by Immigration Employer / Authorized Agency
A Visa With Reference (VDR) is a visa issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN). It allows foreign workers to legally enter Malaysia for employment.
  • 📝 Requires prior approval from KDN and registration in FWCMS
  • 🛬 Enables workers to enter Malaysia for employment
  • 💼 Required before applying for PLKS (Temporary Employment Pass)
Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 requires employers to notify the Department of Labour (JTKSM) before hiring any foreign worker.
  • ⚖️ Ensures compliance with Malaysia’s labour laws
  • 📑 Employers must declare worker details, sector, and location
  • 🚫 Non-compliance may lead to penalties or suspension
The PLKS (Temporary Employment Visit Pass) is the official work permit that allows foreign workers to work legally in Malaysia for a specific employer.
  • 🪪 Valid for 1 year and renewable annually
  • 🩺 Issued after the worker passes FOMEMA medical screening
  • 🖥️ Applied through the FWCMS system
JTKSM is the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia under the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR), responsible for enforcing labour laws and protecting workers’ rights.
  • 🏛️ Ensures fair and ethical employment practices
  • 📋 Approves employer notifications under Section 60K
  • 👷 Handles disputes and enforces worker protection standards
KDN, or the Ministry of Home Affairs, regulates and approves the recruitment of foreign workers according to Malaysia’s labour market policies.
  • 🧾 Approves employer quotas for hiring foreign workers
  • 🌏 Determines eligible source countries and sectors
  • 🔐 Issues approval letters required before applying for a Visa With Reference (VDR)
The FWCMS is Malaysia’s centralized online platform for managing the recruitment, approval, and monitoring of foreign workers.
  • 💻 Handles applications for VDR and PLKS
  • 🩺 Integrates with FOMEMA for medical screening results
  • 🔍 Tracks worker data from recruitment to repatriation
Streamlining Foreign Workforce Solutions Across Peninsular Malaysia

Hassle-Free Foreign Worker Recruitment in Malaysia

Navigating the complexities of foreign worker recruitment can be overwhelming. Our expert team delivers clear guidance, efficient processing, and full compliance support — ensuring your manpower needs are met without the stress.

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