PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, Oct 14, 2025– In a move to address labor shortages in critical industries, the Malaysian government has approved a flexible, case-by-case system for foreign worker quota applications, allowing employers in select sectors to hire overseas staff until December 31, 2025.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) announced the facilitation on Tuesday, targeting three main sectors—plantation, agriculture, and mining & quarrying—as well as 10 subsectors including security services, metal and scrap materials, cleaning and building maintenance, wholesale and retail, laundry, restaurants, land-based warehousing, cargo handling, construction under government projects, and new investments endorsed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
Under the new policy, employers facing genuine manpower gaps can apply directly to the One Stop Centre (OSC) for Foreign Worker Management at MOHA. Applications will undergo evaluation by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) and relevant regulatory agencies, requiring full supporting documentation. Decisions will be merit-based, focusing on the actual needs of each sector.
“This facility not only meets the labor requirements of critical sectors but also reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to balancing economic interests with the well-being of the people,” said Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The initiative underscores the government’s flexible approach to foreign worker recruitment, enabling industries to operate efficiently and stay competitive amid ongoing challenges. It also sets the stage for a policy review next year, aiming for a more sustainable framework that caps foreign workers at 10% of the national workforce by 2030.
Implementation aligns with Malaysia MADANI principles, prioritizing economic growth alongside social welfare. Officials emphasized that all hiring must remain orderly, ethical, and humane, embodying values of compassion, responsibility, and shared prosperity.
This extension comes as Malaysia continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, where foreign labor remains vital for labor-intensive sectors. Regulatory agencies proposed the subsectors based on demonstrated needs, ensuring targeted relief without broad exemptions.
Employers are urged to prepare complete applications promptly, as the window closes at year’s end. For more details, contact the OSC or visit MOHA’s official channels.