Application for Foreign Worker Quota

On October 21, 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs announced that the current policy of freezing new foreign worker quota applications will continue, as the number of foreign workers recorded as of September 15, 2024, is approaching the 15% limit of the country's workforce, as outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12).

2. At the same time, the government has agreed that foreign worker quota applications can be opened on a case-by-case basis, depending on urgent and reasonable needs as determined by the regulatory agencies (AKS) of the relevant sectors.

3. As a result, foreign worker quota applications on a case-by-case basis will be opened for the following sectors and subsectors starting November 4, 2024:

(i) Construction Sector:

• Allowed only for government projects; and

• Open to main contractors or nominated subcontractors (NSC) certified by the implementing agency (Public Works Department or the relevant ministry/department).

(ii) Agriculture Sector:

• Allowed only for two subsectors: aquaculture and livestock.

(iii) Wholesale and Retail Services Sector:

• Allowed only for hypermarkets and distribution centers.

(iv) Land Warehouse Services Sector; and(v) Security Guard Services Sector.

4. In this regard, employers who need to hire foreign workers in the sectors listed above (except for the security guard services) can submit their applications and attend the interview sessions as per the schedule listed in Appendix A at the following address: One Stop Centre (OSC)Foreign Worker ManagementImmigration Affairs DivisionMinistry of Home Affairs (KDN)Level 5, Block Setia Perkasa 9Setia Perkasa ComplexFederal Government Administrative Centre62546 PutrajayaTel: 03-8885 2939 / 2940

5. Employers attending the interview sessions must submit complete forms and documents according to the checklist provided. The form, checklist, terms, and evaluation criteria can be downloaded from the KDN website at www.moha.gov.my under the Immigration Affairs section.

6. Applications from employers who have been evaluated as eligible by the AKS at the KDN OSC for foreign worker quotas will be submitted to the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) for labour compliance evaluation under the Foreign Worker Employment Pre-Approval under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955. The procedure and flowchart for the case-by-case foreign worker quota application (except for the security guard services sector) are as per Appendix B.

7. For applications related to the Security Guard Services Sector, employers can contact the following department for further information and actions:

   Security and Public Order DivisionMinistry of Home AffairsLevel 10, Block Setia Perkasa 1Setia Perkasa ComplexFederal Government Administrative Centre62546 PutrajayaTel: 03-8886 8362

Thank you.Foreign Worker One Stop CentreImmigration Affairs DivisionMinistry of Home AffairsOctober 29, 2024