Malaysia Launches Work Permit Process for Foreigners

Malaysia has announced the official procedures for foreign nationals from 15 approved countries to apply for work permits through the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System under the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The application process is divided into two phases: pre-arrival and post-arrival.

Workers must enter Malaysia through designated entry points, carrying a Visa with Reference (VDR) and an entry visa from the Malaysian Representative Office in their home country. Upon arrival, employers must complete the clearance process within six hours and arrange for a health examination at a FOMEMA-registered health center within 30 days.

A Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) is issued only after passing the health screening. If a worker fails the medical assessment, the employer must initiate repatriation through a Check Out Memo.

The post-arrival phase requires employers to complete clearance within 24 hours, with similar health screening requirements. Applications for workers destined for Sabah and Sarawak are subject to separate state government procedures.