KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Home Ministry has introduced a special extended period for employers to submit applications for foreign worker employment quotas, opening from 19 January until 31 March 2026, in an effort to streamline workforce planning and support sectors facing labour shortages.
While the original deadline of 31 December 2025 remains valid, the extended window provides additional flexibility to employers, particularly those in sectors approved on 1 October 2025, ensuring they have sufficient time to fulfil eligibility requirements and documentation processes.
The special period also covers applications within the services sector under the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), which had earlier closed, reopening opportunities for businesses requiring foreign manpower.
KDN said that applications received during the window will be jointly reviewed with respective supervisory ministries before approval, ensuring decisions remain aligned with national regulations governing foreign labour recruitment.
Employers are reminded to submit their applications directly through the One-Stop Centre for Foreign Workers (OSCM) without engaging third-party agents. To ensure smooth operations during the period, appointments must be booked via the official Home Ministry portal beginning 16 January 2026.
The ministry said the initiative is expected to help employers plan workforce needs more systematically while strengthening procedural compliance. It also underscores the MADANI Government’s commitment to remaining responsive to industrial needs while enhancing regulatory efficiency.