PUTRAJAYA, 8 May 2025 – In a major policy shift, the Malaysian government has approved a new regulation allowing foreign workers to apply for a change of employer across different employment sectors, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The decision was made during a Joint Committee Meeting between the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Human Resources on the Management of Foreign Workers, co-chaired by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
Previously, foreign workers were only allowed to switch employers within the same sector, subject to strict conditions such as company restructuring, closure, expansion, or with special approval from the Department of Labour.
With the new ruling, foreign workers will now be allowed to apply for inter-sectoral employer transfers legally and systematically.
“This move benefits not just the workers, but also employers who are in need of skilled, legal labour willing to work across various industries,” Saifuddin said in an official statement.
He added that this policy reform aligns with international labour standards and practices adopted by developed nations, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to fair and modern labour management.
The meeting was attended by several Cabinet members, including Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Another key resolution passed in the meeting was the strengthening of the Check-Out Memo (COM) management process, as proposed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Effective immediately, employers will be required to be physically present at international exit points to oversee the departure of foreign workers, just as they are responsible for their entry.
“Failure to comply may result in sanctions, including restrictions on applying for new worker quotas and other immigration matters,” Saifuddin warned.
The government urges all parties – employers, agents, and workers – to remain informed and fully comply with this revised policy for the stability of Malaysia’s labour market.
“The government will not hesitate to take firm action against any breach of the law,” he concluded.