If you’re hiring a full-time maid in Johor Bahru, especially from countries like the Philippines or Indonesia, your responsibilities go far beyond managing their day-to-day tasks. As an employer, you’ll need to handle critical obligations such as work permit renewals, SOCSO registration, insurance coverage, and contract extensions. These responsibilities span the duration of a typical two-year contract and are essential for staying compliant with Malaysian employment laws.
To help you manage this process smoothly, we’ve created a practical checklist covering the key responsibilities and estimated costs of hiring and retaining a full-time maid in Johor Bahru.
FOMEMA Medical Check is Now Required Every Year
If you hire a full-time maid in Johor Bahru, it’s important to know that from January 2024 onwards, all foreign domestic helpers must go through a FOMEMA medical check-up every year to renew their work permits.
The cost of renewing the work permit for a Filipino or Indonesian maid usually falls between RM610 and RM811, depending on her nationality and how many workers you employ.
To get started, you can book the medical exam through the FOMEMA online portal and pay the RM217 medical check-up fee online. If you already have a FOMEMA account, just log in; if not, you can easily create one.
After your maid completes her medical exam, FOMEMA will take around 3–7 working days to update the results. Your maid must be declared fit to work before you can proceed to renew her permit with Immigration.
Do You Need to Do FOMEMA Every Year?
Yes — based on the latest guidelines, FOMEMA is required every year, from the 1st renewal year all the way up to the 11th year and beyond.
Once your maid passes the FOMEMA check, the next steps to renew her permit may differ depending on whether you’re a Malaysian or an expatriate employer.
Important Update for Malaysian Employers: New Portal for Maid Work Permit Renewal
Starting 1 February 2025, Malaysian employers can no longer use the ePLKS Immigration portal to renew work permits for foreign domestic helpers.
Instead, all work permit renewals must be done via the new FWCMS portal:
Source: Official Notice from Immigration Malaysia
This change applies to all employers hiring foreign domestic helpers, including those looking for a full-time maid in Johor Bahru. Be sure to register or log in to the FWCMS system and follow the updated procedures to avoid any delays or non-compliance issues.
How to Renew Your Foreign Domestic Helper’s Work Permit via FWCMS (Malaysia Guide)
If you’re a Malaysian employer hiring a full-time maid in Johor Bahru or elsewhere in Malaysia, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration regulations—especially when it comes to renewing your helper’s work permit.
Since 1 February 2025, all work permit renewals for foreign domestic helpers must be done via the FWCMS system, replacing the previous ePLKS portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the new process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renew a Maid’s Work Permit via FWCMS
- Register for FWCMS (MyPass@JIM) Access
- Go to the MyPass@JIM portal (formerly ePLKS@JIM).
- Click on the ‘PENDAFTARAN’ tab to register.Complete the form to create your FWCMS account.
- If your registration fails, you’ll need to visit the State Immigration Office based on your maid’s employment address for manual setup.
- Log In and Start Renewal
- Once your account is active, log in with your registered credentials.
- Go to the ‘ePLKS’ dropdown menu and select ‘PLKS Application’.
- Click on ‘New Application’ and choose ‘Enter Worker Details Manually’.
- Check Worker Eligibility
- After entering the required details, the system will verify the worker’s eligibility.
- If eligible, click ‘Save’ to proceed with the application.
- Upload Required Documents
- Click on ‘Options’ > ‘Worker Information’ to review and verify your maid’s information.
- Upload the required documents as prompted.
- An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your email or mobile. Enter the OTP to complete submission.
- Monitor Application Status
- Log in regularly and go to the ‘ePLKS’ section to track your application.
- Click on your case to check for any updates or required actions.
- Make Payment
- Once the status updates to ‘PENDING PAYMENT’, proceed to the Immigration Online Payment Portal and choose ‘BAYARAN ePLKS (FWCMS)’ to make your payment and finalise the renewal.
Work Permit Renewal Guide for Expat Employers in Malaysia
If you’re an expatriate employer holding an Employment Pass or Residence-Talent Pass issued by the Expatriate Services Division (ESD), you’ll need to renew your domestic helper’s work permit in person at the ESD or the Immigration unit handling your visa.
Where to Apply
You can submit the renewal over the counter at:
- Expatriate Services Division (Putrajaya) or
- The Immigration Unit managing your expatriate pass
Note: The employer (not a representative) must attend the appointment in person.
Required Documents for Maid Work Permit Renewal (Expat Employers)
Make sure to prepare the following documents:
- Application Letter
A signed letter from the employer stating the intention to renew the helper’s visa.
- FOMEMA Medical Report
Printout or screenshot showing a ‘Suitable’ result from the FOMEMA portal.
- DP11A Form
Completed and signed.
- Copy of Worker’s Passport
- Copy of Worker’s Current Visa
- Copy of Employer’s Passport
- Copy of Employer’s Latest Visa
- Original Passports
Both the employer’s and the worker’s original passports are required for verification at submission.
Processing Timeline & Payment
- The new work permit is usually ready within 7 working days.
- Once approved, you can make payment and collect the new visa over the counter.
When Should You Renew Your Maid’s Work Permit in Malaysia?
To avoid last-minute hiccups, employers are strongly encouraged to begin the permit renewal process at least 3 months before their domestic helper’s current permit expires.
Keep in mind:
- The validity period of your helper’s work permit will always follow the original date of her first entry into Malaysia and not the date of permit renewal or approval.
- So even if you renew early, it won’t affect the next renewal cycle, the expiry date remains fixed based on the original permit.
- The Immigration Department of Malaysia recommends starting early to allow time for documentation, medical results (FOMEMA), and any system-related delays.
Starting early ensures a smooth and stress-free renewal process for your full-time maid in Johor Bahru or anywhere in Malaysia.
Need Help Hiring a Full-Time Maid in Johor Bahru from Indonesia or the Philippines?
Looking to hire a reliable full-time maid in Johor Bahru? Whether you’re considering a domestic helper from Indonesia or the Philippines, Agensi Pekerjaan Fomas Sdn. Bhd. (AP FOMAS) is here to simplify the process for you.
Founded in 2000, AP FOMAS has earned a trusted reputation for providing efficient and compliant domestic helper recruitment services across Malaysia, including Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor. From handling documentation and VDR applications to assisting with post-arrival procedures, our experienced team will guide you through every step of the hiring journey.
As a fully licensed maid agency, we specialize in sourcing trained and trusted full-time maids from Indonesia and the Philippines. Each candidate goes through a strict screening and selection process to ensure the best match for your household needs.
If you’re facing a tight schedule or have any concerns about renewing your maid’s work permit on time, engaging a trusted and experienced maid agency can make the entire process stress-free and efficient. Let professionals handle the paperwork and ensure that everything is completed accurately and promptly, so you can focus on what matters most.
Need assistance? Contact AP FOMAS, we’re here to help make your work permit renewal seamless and hassle-free!
We also help you find the right domestic helper, because your peace of mind starts with the right hire. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your household.
