Implementation of MYFutureJobs Recommendation Policy extended to 1 January 2021

Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) has agreed to provide a grace period for the implementation of the MYFutureJobs Recommendation Policy. The policy, which requires employers to advertise vacancies on MYFutureJobs portal and conduct interviews as a prerequisite for hiring foreign workers and expatriates, will now only take effect on 1 January 2021.

According to a press release posted on the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Facebook page, this decision comes on the back of various feedback from employers as well as chambers of commerce and industry. 

Before the policy comes into force on 1 January 2021, the MOHR urges all employers to advertise their vacancies in their respective organisations on the MYFutureJobs portal and support the employment of local talents. For employers advertising on MYFutureJobs, value-added services offered by MOHR - including uploading of vacancies, resumes matching and recruitment services - are all provided free of charge.

The policy came into effect on 1 November 2020, following a Cabinet decision at its meeting on 4 June 2020 to prioritise locals in filling job vacancies, in a bid to transform Malaysia's labour market.

Since it was announced, employers have sent in feedback about the requirements. In particular, employers have requested for exemption from advertising and holding interviews for the EP1 expatriate category including key posts and contract renewals.

At the same time, chambers of commerce and industry have sent in their requests to consider automatic approval on the hiring of expatriates without having to advertise the vacancies and only submitting the labour market information required by MOHR.

Taking into account the feedback received, MOHR will work with relevant Ministries to deliberate on conditions that stipulate automatic approval as well as an effective implementation mechanism. Guidelines developed from the engagement sessions will be presented to chambers of commerce and industry for feedback before it is implemented.

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