Closing the chapter of a foreign domestic helper’s employment is just as critical as the hiring process itself. In 2026, the Malaysian Immigration Department has fully digitized this transition, making the Check Out Memo (COM) an essential, mandatory step for every employer.
Whether your helper is completing her contract, returning home due to relocation, or facing early termination, failing to secure a COM can lead to your “Employer Status” being blacklisted or facing heavy fines.
What is a Check Out Memo (COM)?
The Check Out Memo is an official immigration document that notifies the authorities that a foreign worker’s Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) or PL(KS) is being cancelled because they are leaving Malaysia. Crucial for 2026: Effective late 2025, manual applications at Immigration counters are no longer accepted. All COM applications must be submitted online via the MyPASS@JIM or ePLKS portals.
2026 Immigration Malaysia Check Out Memo Checklist
To ensure a “Clean Exit” and protect yourself from future legal liabilities, prepare these documents for your online submission:
- Primary Documents
- Digital Application Form: Completed via the ePLKS or MyPASS portal.
- Helper’s Passport: Scanned copy of the original passport (bio-data page and current permit page).
- Confirmed Flight Ticket: A digital copy of the air ticket to the helper’s country of origin. The flight date must be within 3 months of the application and before the current permit expires.
- Employer’s ID: A clear scanned copy of your NRIC.
2. Supporting Proofs (Recommended)
- Final Salary Clearance: A signed acknowledgment from the helper confirming she has received all outstanding wages.
- Mutual Termination Letter: Signed by both parties (essential for early termination to avoid “Unfair Dismissal” claims).
- FOMEMA Unfit Report: (Only if the COM is required because the helper failed her medical check).
Why a Proper Checkout is Non-Negotiable
If you skip the Check Out Memo and your helper simply leaves the country (or worse, stays illegally), you remain the Legal Sponsor. This carries heavy risks:
| Risk Factor | Consequence |
| Financial Penalty | You may forfeit your Security Bond (RM 250 – RM 1,500 depending on nationality). |
| Legal Status | The helper will be considered “Absconded” (Runaway), and you will be liable for any crimes or accidents they are involved in. |
| Blacklisting | You will be blocked from hiring another helper in the future until the previous record is cleared via a “Compound Payment.” |
| Compound Fees | Clearing a “hanging” record in 2026 can cost between RM 500 to RM 1,500 per worker. |
Step-by-Step: The Exit Process at AP Fomas
At AP Fomas, we understand that saying goodbye to a helper can be emotional and logistically draining. We handle the technicalities so you can focus on your family.
- Preparation (1 Month Before): We help you verify the helper’s passport validity and book the return flight.
- Online Filing: Our team submits the COM application through the latest 2026 Immigration portals (ePLKS/MyPASS).
- Special Pass (If Needed): If the flight is after the permit expires, we arrange a Special Pass to ensure the helper stays legally until departure.
- Airport Logistics: We can arrange transportation to KLIA/Senai Airport and ensure the helper successfully clears the Immigration exit gate.
- Bond Retrieval: Once the COM is processed, we assist you in claiming back your Security Bond from the government.
Understanding the “Check Out Memo Price”
In 2026, the government processing fee for a standard COM is generally free if done within the permit validity. However, costs arise in specific scenarios:
- Agency Service Fee: Professional handling, document dispatch, and monitoring.
- Special Pass Fee: Roughly RM 100 if the helper needs to stay beyond her permit expiry.
- Compound Payments: If the helper has already overstayed or absconded, you will need to pay a compound to clear the record.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Peace of Mind with AP Fomas
Don’t let a “messy exit” haunt your immigration record. Whether you are dealing with a contract completion or a difficult early termination, AP Fomas provides the local expertise in Johor Bahru to close the case responsibly.
Ready to start the checkout process? [Contact AP Fomas Today] for consultation. We ensure that every “Checkout” is a “Clean Out,” protecting your family and your future eligibility to hire.
