Application Process
Malaysia Foreign Worker Approval Process Under Section 60K
Master the legal requirements, documentation, and step-by-step process for obtaining approval to employ foreign workers in Malaysia.
Employing foreign workers in Malaysia requires formal approval from the Job Training and Skills Ministry (JTKSM) under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955. This comprehensive guide walks Malaysian employers through the entire approval workflow, from initial eligibility checks through final permit issuance.
6-Step Approval Process
Verify Eligibility and Requirements
Confirm your company meets basic eligibility criteria: registered business, valid licenses, proper PERKESO contributions, and legitimate business operations in Malaysia.
Prepare Complete Documentation
Gather all required documents based on your industry sector. Documents vary by sector (manufacturing, construction, services, etc.) but typically include business registration, financial records, and employment contracts.
Submit Application to JTKSM
Submit your complete application package to the Job Training and Skills Ministry (JTKSM). Ensure all documents are original, certified, or properly stamped.
Ministry Review and Verification
JTKSM reviews your application for completeness and compliance. They may request additional documents or conduct workplace inspections to verify your business legitimacy.
Approval and Permit Issuance
Upon approval, you receive a Labour Permit (Permit Perburuhan) authorizing you to employ foreign workers. This permit specifies worker quotas and categories allowed.
Coordinate with Recruitment Partner
With approval in hand, work with your licensed recruitment agency to source, screen, and deploy verified workers from the approved source countries.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Registered Business: Company must be properly registered with SSM (Companies Commission) or equivalent authority
- ✓Valid Business Licenses: Possess all required sector-specific licenses from local authorities
- ✓PERKESO Contributions: Currently paying employee social security contributions for at least 3 months
- ✓Legitimate Operations: Verified business operations and physical premises
- ✓Financial Stability: Audited financial records or accountant-certified statements
Documentation Requirements Overview
Documentation requirements vary significantly by industry sector. A basic package typically includes:
- •Company registration certificates and company profile
- •Director/owner identification and personal credentials
- •3 months of current PERKESO contribution statements
- •Audited financial statements for the current year
- •Business license from local authority (PBT) or relevant body
- •Employment contracts for local employees (sample documents)
- •Sector-specific documents (varies by industry)
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠Submitting incomplete documentation or unverified copies
- ⚠Forgetting sector-specific requirements that apply to your industry
- ⚠Applying with outdated business licenses or PERKESO records
- ⚠Not including financial records or having unverified statements
- ⚠Requesting quotas that don't align with company size or local workforce
Section 60K FAQ
What is Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955?
Section 60K is the legal provision in Malaysia's Employment Act 1955 that governs the employment of foreign workers. It establishes the approval process, documentation requirements, and conditions under which Malaysian employers can legally hire foreign workers.
Who needs to apply for Section 60K approval?
Any Malaysian business (registered company, partnership, cooperative, or individual employer) that wants to employ foreign workers must obtain Section 60K approval from JTKSM before recruiting.
How long does the approval process take?
The typical processing time is 4-8 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documentation and the complexity of your case. Incomplete applications may take longer.
What are the main documents required?
Common requirements include: business registration certificate, company profile, PERKESO payment statements, financial records, business licenses, employment contracts for local employees, and sector-specific documents. Requirements vary by industry sector.
Can individuals (not companies) hire foreign workers?
Yes, but only for domestic workers (pembantu rumah). Individual employers must provide identity cards, dependent information, income proof, and engage a licensed Private Employment Agency (APS) to process the application.
What is a Labour Permit and how long is it valid?
A Labour Permit (Surat Kelulusan Permit Perburuhan) is the approval document issued by JTKSM authorizing you to employ foreign workers. It specifies the number and category of workers allowed and the approval duration.
Does the permit quota cover all workers or is there a minimum?
The quota depends on your company size, financial status, and local employment ratio. Larger, financially stable companies with more local employees typically receive higher quotas.
Are there sector-specific differences in the approval process?
Yes. Different sectors (manufacturing, construction, services, agriculture, mining, hospitality) have specific documentation requirements and qualification criteria. Manufacturing requires MPOB licenses; hotels require MOTAC classification; construction requires CIDB registration.
What happens after I receive approval?
With approval, you can engage a licensed recruitment agency to source workers. JTKSM will forward your approval to the source country's labour authority, and deployment coordination begins.
Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
Yes. If rejected, you can address the specific deficiencies, recompile your documentation, and resubmit. Many rejections are due to incomplete or unverified documents, which can be corrected.
Next Steps
Ready to start your foreign worker approval process? We can help you:
- →Verify your sector-specific documentation requirements
- →Compile and prepare your complete application package
- →Submit applications and coordinate with JTKSM
- →Source and deploy verified workers after approval
Ready to Start Your Foreign Worker Application?
Our team specializes in guiding Malaysian employers through the entire Section 60K approval process. We ensure your documentation is complete, compliant, and positioned for quick approval.
Most employer inquiries receive an initial response within one working day.