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The new Foreign Workers Centralised Management System came into effect on 22 August, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and regulatory oversight.
A new process is now in place for employers in Malaysia who are looking to employ foreign workers.
Effective 22 August 2026 (Saturday), applications for employing foreign workers can be submitted online via the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) announced.
The Ministry said the implementation comes following "a comprehensive process of discussion, research, and improvement, particularly in the aspects of governance, transparency, and efficiency of service delivery". With this new system, the process for applying for a foreign worker quota starts from the application for initial approval to employ foreign workers under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 until obtaining a Conditional Approval Letter (SKB). This letter, KESUMA said, can be obtained within 14 days subject to a complete application and compliance with the specified conditions and criteria.
The overall process for employing foreign workers is as illustrated below:
With this new system, applications will no longer be carried out manually or via walk-ins. Instead, appointment dates will be set through the system for employer interview sessions with the Regulatory Agency (AKS).
"This approach will reduce the need for employers to repeatedly visit government offices, reduce waiting times, and make the entire process more organised, compliant with governance, and comfortable for employers," the Ministry explained.
Since the transfer of one-stop centre functions from the Ministry of Home Affairs to KESUMA, a total of 4,646 applications from employers have been received and are being processed, the Ministry shared. However, it highlighted, the digitalisation of the process does not mean that the conditions for employing foreign workers have been relaxed. All applications remain subject to scrutiny, laws, eligibility requirements, foreign worker employment policies, and relevant reviews by AKS.
KESUMA concluded by saying it is looking into establishing a Foreign Worker Transit Centre to help ease congestion at Kuala Lumpur International Airport's (KLIA) main arrival point for foreign workers. The proposal is being refined and will first be implemented on a pilot basis.
Images / KESUMA's Facebook
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