PUTRAJAYA: Applications for the recruitment of foreign workers are now fully processed online through the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS), eliminating the need for employers to submit applications manually or make walk-in visits from Saturday (Aug 22).
The Human Resources Ministry said the digitalisation initiative aims to simplify the process by reducing repeated visits to government offices, shortening waiting times and making the overall procedure more organised and transparent.
However, the ministry stressed that the move does not mean that requirements for hiring foreign workers have been relaxed.
"All applications remain subject to scrutiny, relevant laws, eligibility requirements, foreign worker employment policies and reviews by the relevant Regulatory Agencies (AKS),” it said in a statement.
The ministry said the application process begins with employers obtaining prior approval to hire foreign workers under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955, until the issuance of a Conditional Approval Letter (SKB).
The SKB can be obtained within 14 days, subject to complete applications and compliance with the stipulated requirements and criteria. Employers can access FWCMS via www.fwcms.com.my.
Meanwhile, the ministry said a phased quota allocation approach is being implemented to facilitate employers’ applications following the opening of a quota for 15,000 foreign workers in the restaurant industry, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 24.
"Of the quota, 5,000 foreign workers involving 1,033 employers who have undergone case-by-case interviews are currently being processed for approval,” the statement said.
The ministry advised employers who have completed interviews or wish to submit new applications to complete the process through FWCMS.
In a related development, the ministry said the proposal to establish a Foreign Worker Transit Centre to address congestion involving foreign worker arrivals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is being refined and will be introduced through a pilot project in the future. - Bernama
