Malaysia announces 8-step process for hiring foreign workers

According to the new directive, first the employer must submit an application for required workers and publish a job vacancy notice. Then an application must be made to the One-Stop Centre of the Ministry of Human Resources seeking a quota for foreign workers.

After verification of documents and interviews, the quota approval will be given. In the next step, after paying the levy and government fees, the employer must obtain a conditional approval letter.

Then formalities at the Malaysian embassy or relevant diplomatic mission in the worker's own country will be completed. In the sixth step, arrangements will be made to recruit workers and send them to Malaysia through approved recruiting agencies.

Then the Visa with Reference (VDR) will be obtained, and finally the recruitment process will be completed with the worker's entry into Malaysia.

Meanwhile, controversy has arisen over the publication of a list of 25 recruiting agencies for recruiting workers from Bangladesh and more than 40 medical centers for health tests. Allegations have been raised of syndicate and irregularities. However, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare has said that discussions are ongoing with Malaysia to reopen the labor market and efforts are being made to keep the process transparent.