Malaysia shifts foreign worker recruitment entirely to digital platform

PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia's foreign worker recruitment system has gone fully digital, with all applications now processed exclusively through an online portal rather than in-person at government offices. The transition marks a significant shift in how employers and recruitment agencies engage with the nation's migrant worker programmes. Applicants and employers can no longer submit documents or applications in person at immigration and labour ministry offices across the country. Instead, all submissions must be made through the centralised digital platform, which handles applications for various foreign worker categories including domestic helpers, construction workers, manufacturing employees, and plantation staff. Officials have promoted the online-only approach as a more efficient system that reduces processing times and administrative burdens on both applicants and government departments. The digital transition is part of broader efforts to modernise Malaysia's foreign worker management infrastructure and align recruitment practices with regional standards. Employers and recruitment agencies have been provided with access credentials and technical guidance to navigate the new system, with government agencies continuing to offer support for users encountering difficulties with online submissions.