[Malaysia] Stricter Foreign Knowledge Worker headcount approval process and documentation requirements introduced

In Malaysia, the process for Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) headcount declarations has been revised.

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced that the revisions would be in effect from June 1, 2026, with further procedural changes from June 3. 

The updated framework reportedly requires companies to undergo a formal evaluation process for headcount approvals and submit additional supporting documentation before filing individual applications. 

The changes will impact MDEC-registered companies sponsoring expats holding Employment Passes (EP). 

According to EY, the revised process is a resurrection of the FKW application process before the streamlined model introduced in 2024, with a change to include supporting documents which align with broader updates to Malaysia's revised expat salary and EP policy framework, taking effect in June 2026.

Source: EY

In Malaysia, the process for Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) headcount declarations has been revised.

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced that the revisions would be in effect from June 1, 2026, with further procedural changes from June 3. 

The updated framework reportedly requires companies to undergo a formal evaluation process for headcount approvals and submit additional supporting documentation before filing individual applications. 

The changes will impact MDEC-registered companies sponsoring expats holding Employment Passes (EP). 

According to EY, the revised process is a resurrection of the FKW application process before the streamlined model introduced in 2024, with a change to include supporting documents which align with broader updates to Malaysia's revised expat salary and EP policy framework, taking effect in June 2026.

Source: EY