Permitted source countries for companies hiring migrant workers by job sector
Published on 22 Dec 2023, last updated on 2 Feb 2024
Businesses in Malaysia can hire migrant workers from various countries. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) or Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) updates the status of these permissible categories from time-to-time. Presently, businesses can hire from 15 source countries with the following rules:
| Source Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | Permitted for all sectors, except only female Indonesian workers are permitted for manufacturing |
| Nepal | Permitted for all sectors and the security sector (as security guards) |
| India | Permitted for all service sectors (sub sector Indian businesses), agriculture, farming, and construction (high tension cable workers only) |
| Philippines | Male workers are permitted for all sectors and female workers only for the domestic work (domestic helper/maid) sector |
| Bangladesh | Reopened since 2021 |
| Thailand | All sectors |
| Myanmar | All sectors |
| Cambodia | All sectors |
| Laos | All sectors |
| Vietnam | All sectors |
| Pakistan | All sectors |
| Sri Lanka | All sectors |
| Turkmenistan | All sectors |
| Uzbekistan | All sectors |
| Kazakhstan | All sectors |
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs
The MOHA reviews the list of approved source countries regularly and may make changes as needed. For example, the MOHA may add or remove countries from the list based on factors such as the availability of workers, the economic conditions of the source countries, and the security situation in the source countries.
Employers who are interested in hiring migrant workers should contact the MOHA to get the latest list of approved source countries and to learn more about the quota allocation process.
- The list of approved source countries is not exhaustive. Employers may be able to hire migrant workers from other countries if they can obtain special permission from the MOHA.
- The quota allocation process is competitive. Employers should submit their applications early to increase their chances of getting a quota.
- Employers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations when hiring migrant workers