Foreign Worker Permit Renewal in Malaysia: Employer Guide 2025

Many businesses in Malaysia depend on foreign workers, but one simple mistake can put both the worker and the employer in trouble, which is missing a permit renewal deadline. 

Without a valid permit, workers risk deportation, and employers could face penalties or even be banned from hiring foreign workers in the future. 

To prevent this from happening, you need to know exactly when and how to renew your foreign worker permits.

Read this article to know all the details of the Foreign Worker Permit Renewal, from requirements to step-by-step instructions, to help you stay compliant with Malaysian laws.

What is a Foreign Worker Permit (VP) Renewal?

A Foreign Worker Permit (VP) is a legal document that allows non-Malaysians to work in the country under specific employment conditions.

It is commonly referred to as the Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) or VP(TE) and must be renewed annually to allow workers to continue their employment legally.

There are different types of work permits in Malaysia, including:

• VP(TE): For foreign workers in approved sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services.

• VP(SS): For foreign domestic helpers (maids) employed by individuals.

Every employer who hires foreign workers is responsible for renewing their work permits before expiry to keep their workforce legally employed.

Eligibility for Foreign Worker Permit Renewal

Not every foreign worker can get their work permit renewed. The Malaysian government has strict conditions to decide who qualifies.

For a renewal to be approved, the worker must:

• Be employed in an approved sector (manufacturing, construction, plantation, agriculture, or services).

• Have a valid employment contract with the same employer.

• Pass the mandatory FOMEMA medical examination, which confirms they are fit to work.

• Have a valid passport with at least 12 months of validity remaining.

• Not have any criminal records or violations of immigration laws.

Employers also have their responsibilities when applying for a renewal.

They must submit the correct documents, pay the necessary fees, and comply with Malaysian labor laws to avoid rejection.

Steps to Renew Foreign Worker Permit (VP)

In this modern era, employers do not need to go through an offline process. They can apply for permit renewals through an online e-Services system. Below is the step-by-step:

1. Start Early

Apply for the renewal at least 3 months before the permit expires. If an application is submitted too late, it can result in extra costs, penalties, or even workers being required to leave the country.

2. Submit the Application via MYEG

The renewal process can be done online through MYEG, the official platform that handles foreign worker permit renewals.

Log in to MYEG, select the renewal service, and enter the worker’s details.

3. Provide Required Documents

Submit the necessary documents (listed below) to proceed with the application.

• Copy of foreign worker / maid’s current passport
• Copy of foreign worker/ maid’s current permit
• Copy of foreign worker / maid’s Special Pass (if any)
• Copy of Insurance Guarantee (IG) / Foreign Worker Hospitalisation Scheme (SPIKPA) if the insurance is not purchased on MYEG website

4. Pay the Renewal Fees

The renewal process requires payment of fees, including levies, processing fees, and visa charges. Payment can be made online.

5. Obtain the ePASS

Once the renewal is successfully processed, an ePASS will be issued.

This digital pass replaces the physical permit sticker and serves as proof that the worker is legally employed.

Documents Required for Foreign Worker Permit Renewal

To successfully renew a foreign worker’s permit, provide these documents below:

• A valid passport with at least 12 months before expiration.

• A copy of the worker’s previous work permit.

• A signed employment contract between the employer and worker.

• A FOMEMA medical examination report, which proves the worker is fit for employment.

• Payment proof for renewal fees (levy, processing fees, and visa charges).

• Copies of the employer’s company registration documents (SSM, Form 49, or company director details).

Timeline for Permit Renewal

Renewing a foreign worker's permit is not something employers should leave until the last minute.

The renewal process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on factors like application timing, medical examination results, and payment processing.

Any delay can lead to serious consequences, including penalties and disruptions to the workforce.

Recommended Timeline for Permit Renewal Applications

To avoid issues, employers should begin the renewal process at least 3 months before the permit expires. This buffer period allows enough time for:

• Gathering and submitting the required documents.

• Completing the FOMEMA medical check-up, which is mandatory for renewal.

• Processing payments for the levy, visa, and security bond.

• Resolving any unexpected delays, such as missing documents or additional checks by authorities.

What to Do If the Permit Renewal Is Submitted Late?

If a renewal application is submitted late, the worker’s status may become irregular, and they could be flagged as an overstayer. Employers facing this situation should:

1. Submit the renewal application immediately through MYEG or the relevant online system.

2. Contact the Immigration Department for advice on whether the worker can remain in Malaysia while waiting for approval.

3. Pay any fines or penalties imposed due to the late renewal.

4. Prepare for potential worker repatriation, as some cases of overstaying require workers to leave the country and reapply for a new permit from their home country.

Possible Delays in the Approval Process and How to Handle Them

Even if an application is submitted on time, there can still be unexpected delays. Common reasons include:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation 

• Medical examination failures 

• A high volume of applications

To handle delays effectively, employers should:

• Track the renewal status through the MYEG or Immigration Department’s online portal.

• Follow up with the relevant authorities if the application is taking longer than expected.

• Communicate with the worker to keep them informed about the situation.

Fees for Foreign Worker Permit Renewal

The cost of permit renewal depends on the worker’s sector. Below is the standard fee breakdown:

Workers from different countries also have visa and security bond fees that employers need to pay.

The visa fee varies from RM15 to RM50, while the security bond ranges from RM250 to RM1,500, depending on nationality.

Visa Fee According To The Country

Source: https://www.imi.gov.my/

What Happens If You Do Not Renew the Foreign Worker Permit?

Failing to renew a foreign worker’s permit on time can cause serious legal trouble for employers. Some consequences include:

• Fines and penalties

• Deportation 

• Employer blacklist 

Employers must always track their workers' permit expiry dates to avoid these risks.

Rejection of Foreign Worker Permit Renewal

Not all renewal applications get approved. The most common reasons for rejection include:

• Failure to pass the FOMEMA medical check-up.

• Expired passport with less than 12 months of validity.

• Outstanding fines or legal violations by the employer.

• Incorrect or missing documents during submission.

If a renewal is rejected, employers must correct the issue and reapply immediately to avoid legal problems.

How to Check the Status of Foreign Worker Permit Renewal?

Track employees' permit renewal status through the MYEG e-Services portal. The system allows employers to check:

• Whether the renewal is approved or pending.

• If any additional documents are required.

• Expected completion date for the renewal process.

Staying updated on the status helps employers avoid last-minute issues.

FAQs

How long is the foreign worker permit valid after renewal?
The renewed foreign worker permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually before its expiration to ensure continuous legal employment.

Can I apply for a foreign worker permit renewal if the current permit has expired?
Yes, but late renewal may result in penalties, additional processing requirements, and potential complications, including the worker being classified as an overstayer, which could impact future applications.

Is there a grace period for foreign worker permit renewal?
No official grace period is provided, so employers must submit renewal applications before the permit expires to avoid fines, legal issues, or disruption to the worker’s status.

Can a foreign worker apply for a new permit if they have overstayed their current one?
No, foreign workers who have overstayed must exit Malaysia and reapply from their home country, as overstaying may lead to immigration penalties and re-entry restrictions.

What documents do I need to renew my foreign worker permit?
Employers must submit the worker’s valid passport, current work contract, medical examination report, levy payment proof, and any other documents required by immigration authorities.

How do I pay the renewal fee for foreign worker permits?
Employers can pay the renewal fee through the MYEG online portal or at designated banks, following the payment guidelines provided by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Can I transfer a foreign worker’s permit to another employer?
No, foreign worker permits are employer-specific, meaning a transfer requires the current employer to cancel the permit, and the new employer must submit a fresh application.

Don’t let expired work permits affect your business. A simple renewal process can save you from unnecessary fines and workforce shortages.

Check your workers’ permit status today, submit your renewal early, and prevent unwanted delays.

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