What is the impact of abolishing case-by-case foreign worker approvals?

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Abolishing Case-by-Case Approvals Streamlines Foreign Worker Quota Applications

The abolition of the previous case-by-case foreign worker quota application process, with all requests now directed through the centralised Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS), aims to eliminate queues and congestion. This significant change, stemming from the Cabinet's decision to place the One Stop Centre (OSC) for foreign worker management under the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), shifts the entire application and processing workflow online, enhancing transparency. Previously, employers faced considerable uncertainty and lengthy waits when seeking manual approvals from the Home Ministry (KDN) on an individual basis.
Centralised Online System Replaces Manual Processing

All foreign worker quota applications must now be submitted and processed exclusively through the FWCMS. Under this new digital framework, employers will submit their applications via the system, followed by engagement sessions with relevant regulatory agencies. These agencies will then forward their recommendations to the OSC for consideration, thereby standardising and centralising the entire approval chain.
Elimination of Direct Ministerial Intervention and Reduced Queues

The revised procedure explicitly removes the involvement of ministers, deputy ministers, and their offices in expediting or granting quotas, ensuring all processes are managed systematically through the FWCMS. This is intended to prevent the previous scenario where employers travelled long distances, often from states like Johor or Kedah, only to face long queues and uncertainty at the Home Ministry. The FWCMS provides employers with scheduled appointment dates and times, directly addressing the congestion and delays associated with the former manual system.
Enhanced Transparency and Pre-application Requirements

Kesuma asserts that the new system is designed for transparency, as the ministry owns the FWCMS source code and its super administrator access. As a prerequisite for applying for foreign workers, employers are now mandated to first advertise vacancies to Malaysians through MYFutureJobs and obtain approval under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955. This ensures that local workforce needs are prioritised before foreign worker quotas are considered.
Continued Role of Home Ministry and Future Transit Centre Study

While Kesuma now manages quota applications through the FWCMS, the Home Ministry (KDN) retains the ultimate authority to issue employment passes and work permits based on security considerations. Separately, Kesuma is also studying the feasibility of establishing a dedicated transit centre for newly arrived foreign workers, which could accommodate between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals at any given time to alleviate airport congestion and ensure timely collection by registered employers.

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What is the impact of abolishing case-by-case foreign worker approvals?

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