KUALA LUMPUR: Employers seeking foreign worker quotas will no longer need to travel to Putrajaya for approvals or special considerations.
This follows the Human Resources Ministry taking over the Foreign Worker Management One-Stop Centre (OSC) and launching a fully online application process, effective immediately, said Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Speaking at a special press conference yesterday, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced that all quota applications must now be submitted by employers exclusively via the eQuota module in the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).
He emphasised that there will be no case-by-case considerations, adding that the move will create a more transparent and efficient system while eliminating the need for employers to travel to Putrajaya for approvals.
Previously, the OSC for foreign worker management was under the Home Ministry.
Ramanan’s announcement comes amid complaints by employers that the OSC for foreign workers frequently faces systemic issues, including backlogs, sudden service counter disruptions, bureaucratic red tape and policy inconsistencies.
“There will be no more case-by-case basis – you don’t have to come to me or my chief secretary for your applications. You don’t have to travel from other states to Putrajaya to apply for your quota of foreign workers.
“All foreign worker quota applications will be submitted through the eQuota module in FWCMS, the single digital platform appointed by the government to manage foreign worker application processes in Malaysia,” said Ramanan.
He said that his ministry’s role in managing the OSC for foreign workers is confined to the qualification of workers and the need for workers in the country based on the available vacancies.
“However, should the foreign worker being brought in have a criminal or terrorism record, it is the absolute right of the Home Ministry to overwrite the approval,” said Ramanan.
He said that the implementation will begin with the processing of 22,476 foreign worker quota applications involving 548 companies that had previously submitted manual applications for approval.
When asked if the Human Resources Ministry expects a rush of applications, Ramanan said the application portal can accommodate hundreds of thousands of applications at a time.
“The FWCMS, integrated with existing government systems, will ensure smoother application processing and reduce congestion at the OSC.
“As an online platform, the FWCMS enables employers to schedule interviews in a structured and controlled manner based on the OSC’s capacity.
“As a long-term measure, the Human Resources Ministry will also study the implementation of an online document verification system to replace the current physical counter system at the OSC,” said Ramanan.
He further said that employers must prioritise local job seekers over foreign workers.
“Employers must first apply for local workers through the MYFutureJobs portal before they are permitted to apply for foreign workers through the OSC.
“Matters relating to foreign worker quota applications will continue to be handled at the Foreign Worker Management OSC, Level 5, Setia Perkasa 9, Kompleks Setia Perkasa, Putrajaya, until a more strategic location for the OSC is identified,” said Ramanan.
He said the Human Resources Ministry will set up a dedicated Foreign Worker Management Division to oversee the OSC’s policy, operations, and inspections.
