Maid Renewal
in Malaysia

Maid Work Permit Renewal in Malaysia

employer having a meeting with an employee, documents on the table

Renewing a maid’s work permit is a mandatory process that allows foreign domestic helpers to continue working legally in Malaysia. Employers must meet immigration, medical, and insurance requirements to avoid permit cancellation or legal penalties.

What Is Maid Work Permit Renewal

Maid work permit renewal refers to extending the Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) that allows a foreign domestic helper to remain legally employed in Malaysia. This permit, also known as a PLKS (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara), must be renewed every year before expiry to avoid illegal stay and penalties under Malaysian immigration law. Immigration requirements include valid insurance, a passed FOMEMA medical examination, and an active passport with at least 12 months of validity remaining beyond the renewal date. Renewals are processed through authorised systems that verify documentation, eligibility, and compliance with current regulations.

Why This Matters

An expired work permit means your domestic helper may no longer work legally in Malaysia, exposing both helper and employer to fines, deportation, and blacklisting.

When Should Employers Start the Renewal Process

Employers should start the work permit renewal process as early as three months before the permit expires and no later than seven days before expiry to ensure there is sufficient time for documentation, medical checks, and portal processing.

Starting early offers several advantages:

  • Time to book and complete the mandatory FOMEMA medical examination, which can have wait times depending on clinic availability.
  • Buffer for preparing and verifying all renewal documents including insurance, passport copies, and medical certificates.
  • Avoid emergencies or delays such as system downtime or public holidays that could postpone renewal submission.

Because permit renewal is not automatic, waiting until the last minute increases the risk of rejection or legal issues for the helper.

Documents Required for Maid Permit Renewal

When renewing your maid’s work permit in Malaysia, the Immigration Department requires employers to upload specific documents during the online renewal process. These documents are essential for verification and approval of the renewal application.

  1. Passport Requirements

    • You must upload a copy of the maid’s current passport showing her personal details page.
    • The passport must be valid for at least 12 months beyond the current permit’s expiry date. If the passport has less than 12 months validity from the permit expiry date, the passport must be renewed with the helper’s embassy or high commission and updated in the system before submitting the renewal application. Employers should then update the new passport details at “PERKESO,” FOMEMA, and Immigration as required.

    This requirement ensures that the renewed work permit remains valid throughout the passport validity period and reduces the risk of permit cancellation.

  2. Current Permit Copy

    • Upload a clear copy of the maid’s current work permit (PLKS) or the ePASS page (MYEG) showing her active status.

  3. Special Pass (If Applicable)

    • If the maid is currently on a Special Pass (for example due to a late renewal), upload a copy of the Special Pass as required.

  4. Insurance Documents

    • Employers must upload a copy of the approved insurance policy covering the maid as required by Immigration, including Hospitalisation & Surgical Insurance (SPIKPA) and the Insurance Guarantee (IG).

    It is important to secure the right maid insurance policy in Malaysia before renewing your helper’s permit.

  5. Passed FOMEMA Medical Report

    • Upload evidence that the maid has passed the FOMEMA medical examination and is certified “suitable to work.” FOMEMA is a mandatory medical check for foreign workers including maids and must be completed before renewal submission.

  6. Optional: SOCSO (Not Required for Upload)

    • SOCSO registration and contribution records are governed under Malaysian labour law, but are not typically uploaded as part of the Immigration permit renewal documents. However, employers should ensure that their helper’s SOCSO status is active and updated independently.

Important: All documents must be clear, valid, and consistent with the information entered on the renewal portal to avoid rejection or delays.

FOMEMA Medical Examination Requirement for Maid Permit Renewal in Malaysia

Before renewal, every foreign domestic helper must pass the annual FOMEMA medical examination. This is a standard health check required by Malaysian law for all foreign workers, including domestic helpers.

Key points about FOMEMA

  • The medical check must be conducted at a FOMEMA-certified clinic or provider and results must show “SUITABLE” for work.
  • The examination typically includes essential checks such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and TB screening in accordance with public health requirements.
  • Results from the FOMEMA system are used by immigration to determine if the helper is fit to continue working before renewal approval.
  • Medical results may take several days to process, so employers should book the appointment early in the renewal timeline.

Without a valid FOMEMA medical result, the renewal cannot proceed and may be rejected by the immigration portal.

Online Renewal Platform (FWCMS)

Most maid work permit renewals in Malaysia are processed electronically through the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS), the official online platform appointed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia for managing foreign worker permits, including domestic helpers.

FWCMS enables employers to handle the entire renewal process digitally in one place. Through the system, employers can submit renewal applications, upload supporting documents such as passports, insurance policies, and FOMEMA medical results, make levy and processing payments, and track approval status without visiting an immigration counter.

Employers must first register and log in through the Immigration MyPass@JIM portal, which provides authorised access to FWCMS services.

Official access links:

Using the official FWCMS platform helps ensure faster processing, accurate record keeping, and full compliance with current Immigration requirements for maid permit renewal in Malaysia.

Consequences of Late or Failed Renewal

Failure to renew on time may result in:

  • Permit cancellation
  • Overstay penalties
  • Deportation of the maid
  • Employer blacklisting

In some cases, authorities may also review whether the employer has complied with SOCSO requirements for maids in Malaysia, especially when employment records or contribution history are requested.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How early can I renew my maid’s permit?

You can start renewal up to three months before the permit expires to avoid last-minute complications.

2. Is FOMEMA compulsory for renewal?

Yes. A valid FOMEMA medical examination showing fit status is mandatory for permit renewal.

3. Can renewal be done fully online?

Yes. Renewal applications can be submitted online through FWCMS and other authorised platforms.

4. What happens if my maid’s passport is expiring soon?

If your maid’s passport does not have sufficient validity to cover the entire renewal period, you must renew the passport first through the helper’s embassy or high commission before you can renew the work permit. Malaysian Immigration generally requires the passport to be valid for more than 12 months beyond the current permit expiry, and renewal may be rejected if the passport validity is too short.

5. What are the risks of missing renewal deadlines?

Late renewal can lead to permit cancellation, fines, and immigration penalties for both employer and maid.