Malaysia Foreign Worker Recruitment Agency

Process of Foreign Worker Recruitment in Malaysia

To hire foreign workers, an employer must first obtain a letter from the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) through the Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Semenanjung Malaysia (JTKSM), confirming that hiring Malaysian workers is not feasible.

  • Documentation & Application: Prepare and submit required documentation in accordance with the rules set by the Government of Malaysia and the Immigration Department.

  • Quota Approval: Apply for quota approval to recruit foreign workers through the Ministry of Human Resources’ Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS).

  • Quota MOHR Approval Letter: Obtain the [JTKSM Quota Approval] letter from the Ministry of Human Resources.Approval: Apply for quota approval to recruit foreign workers through the Ministry of Human Resources’ Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS).

  • Coordination with Overseas Agents: Liaise with overseas manpower agencies to facilitate recruitment.

  • Job Order & Embassy Attestation: Place job orders and secure attestation from the relevant embassies.

  • Advertising in Source Country: Conduct online and offline advertisements in the source country.

  • Worker Screening & Selection: Organize profiling, interviews (oral and written), and screen and select qualified candidates in the source country.

  • Receive Worker Biographical Data: Gather biodata of selected foreign workers from the source country.

  • Calling Visa Submission: Submit the Calling Visa application via the FWCMS system.

  • Worker’s Visa: Obtain the worker's visa from the Malaysian Consulate in the respective country.

  • Labour Office & Manpower Approval: Clear approvals with the Labour Office.

  • Air Ticket Booking: Arrange air travel from the source country.

  • Airport Clearance on Arrival: Coordinate arrival clearance for workers at the Malaysian airport.

  • Medical Check-Up [FOMEMA]: Arrange a medical examination through FOMEMA.

  • Work Permit Issuance: If medically fit, apply for a work permit from the Immigration Department. If unfit, arrange for the worker’s return to their home country.

  • Work Permit Renewal: Manage work permit renewals as required.

  • Advisory & Welfare Support: Provide advice, mentorship, counseling, and welfare support to foreign workers.

  • Return Process: Apply for a Special Pass or Check Out Memo (COM) to arrange workers’ return to their home country before work permit expiration or as needed.

Requirements for Recruiting of Foreign Workers in Malaysia

Application Procedure for Recruiting Foreign Workers

Foreign Worker Management

eQuota Document Checklist

eQuota – Employer User Guide

Malaysia Foreign Worker Recruitment

As of January 1, 2023, under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955, employers seeking to hire foreign workers must first obtain initial approval from JTKSM before proceeding with further steps at the relevant agencies.

The initial approval under Section 60K applies to the following categories of non-citizen workers:

  1. Foreign Workers – Holders of temporary work visit passes (PLKS) in permitted sectors: manufacturing, services, plantation, agriculture, construction, and mining & quarrying.
  2. Trade Officers – Employment pass holders in skilled occupations.
  3. Foreign Security Guards– Foreign workers employed as security guards.
  4. Work Permit Holders with Special Passes – Includes holders of Student Passes, Resident Passes, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program, and Malaysia Premium Visa Program (PVIP).
  5. Other Pass Categories – Covers foreign fishermen, ship crew, Tomyam cooks, traditional passes (for Thai citizens in bordering states), Ikhtisas Passes (for religious teachers, artists, or missionaries of other religions).
  6. Foreign Workers from Shelters – Foreign workers employed through shelter programs.

Foreign workers may be recruited in the following sectors/industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Plantation
  • Agricultural
  • Services
    • (i) Restaurant sub-sector (cooks only)
    • (ii) Cleaning and sanitation sub-sector
    • (iii) Resort island sub-sector
  • Domestic help (Maid)

Nations are permitted to supply foreign workers to Malaysia

Bangladesh

Cambodia

Myanmar

Nepal

India

Indonesia

Kazakhstan

Laos

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Turkmenistan

Uzbekistan

Thailand

The Philipines

Vietnam

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Frequently Asked Questions​?

If you are still thinking about our services. You can always check out the common queries about our service and support. 

Which sectors are permitted to hire foreign workers?


The following sectors are authorized to employ foreign workers:

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Construction
  3. Plantation
  4. Agriculture
  5. Services:
    • Restaurant sub-sector (for cooks only)
    • Cleaning and sanitation sub-sector
    • Resort island sub-sector
What is the levy payment rate for each approved foreign worker?

The levy payment rate varies by sector. Once approved, employers are required to pay the following rates per worker:

  1. Manufacturing: RM 1,850
  2. Construction: RM 1,850
  3. Plantation: RM 640
  4. Agriculture: RM 640
  5. Services:
    • Restaurant (cooks): RM 1,850
    • Cleaning and sanitation: RM 1,850
    • Resort islands: RM 1,850
Which countries are approved as sources for hiring foreign workers?

Employers may hire foreign workers from the following approved countries:

  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
  • The Philippines
  • Cambodia
  • Myanmar
  • Laos
  • Vietnam
  • Kazakhstan
  • Nepal
  • Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Bangladesh
  • Turkmenistan
  • Uzbekistan
Are foreign workers from India permitted to work in the manufacturing sector?

No, foreign workers from India are only allowed to work in the following sectors: services (restaurants only), construction (high-tension cables), agriculture, and plantation.

Are male workers from Indonesia permitted to work in the manufacturing sector?

No, male workers from Indonesia are allowed to work in all sectors except manufacturing. Female workers from Indonesia, however, are permitted to work in all sectors.

Can foreign workers be employed as cashiers?

No, foreign workers are not permitted to work in front-line positions, including as cashiers.

How can employers apply for an employment quota for foreign workers?

Employers should submit their applications online through the Ministry of Human Resources at https://fwcms.com.my/.

What should an employer do if they fail to register their ID in the ePLKS system and are instructed to consult the OSC?

The employer should update the information of the employer or employer’s representative by completing the form PERMOHONAN PENGEMASKINIAN MAKLUMAT MAJIKAN / WAKIL MAJIKAN (SISTEM MyIMMS).