What Legal Requirements Must Employers Follow?

Employers are required to comply with Malaysian immigration and labour regulations when hiring a foreign domestic helper. This includes mandatory documentation, proper work permit applications, and adherence to employment standards established by the authorities.

1. Valid Work Permit for Domestic Helpers

Every foreign maid must have an approved work permit Malaysia under the Domestic Helper category. This includes helpers recruited through foreign maid agency Malaysia channels or direct hire pathways. Work permits must accurately reflect the employer’s name and residential address.

• Permit must be renewed yearly before expiry.
• Helpers from Indonesia or the Philippines require country-specific procedures.
• Unauthorized employment may result in fines for both employer and worker.

2. Medical Checks & FOMEMA Requirements

All newly hired foreign maids must undergo FOMEMA medical screening within 30 days of arrival. Annual re-screening may be required depending on the classification.

3. Employer Eligibility Requirements

Employers must meet certain criteria, including minimum income thresholds and proof of need, especially when hiring for elderly care maid agency cases or households requiring infant care.

What Should Be Included in a Legally Compliant Employment Contract?

The employment contract is one of the most important legal documents when hiring a foreign domestic helper. It outlines rights, responsibilities, working conditions, and protections for both parties.

1. Clear Job Scope & Responsibilities

The contract should define the helper’s duties, which may include general housekeeping, childcare, elderly care, cooking, or specialised tasks like maid for infant care or maid for elderly care Malaysia.

• Cleaning and laundry duties
• Child or elderly supervision
• Meal preparation
• Pet care, if applicable

2. Working Hours & Rest Days

Contracts must specify rest days and working hour limits, especially for helpers hired under part time maid, short term maid service, or temporary maid Malaysia arrangements.

3. Salary, Payments & Allowances

Salary must align with the rules of the helper’s country of origin and Malaysian labour guidelines. Payments should be documented through payslips or bank transfers for transparency.

4. Accommodation & Meals

Employers must provide safe, clean living quarters for the helper, especially in live-in maid arrangements.

5. Termination Clauses

The contract must state conditions under which the employment may be ended, including notice periods, misconduct, or mutual agreement.

What Insurance Policies Are Mandatory?

Malaysia requires employers to purchase several types of insurance for foreign domestic helpers. These are crucial to protect both the employer and the worker.

1. Medical Insurance (Hospitalisation & Surgical)

Mandatory for all foreign domestic workers, this insurance covers hospitalisation and medical procedures. Employers usually purchase this through a maid insurance agency Malaysia.

2. Personal Accident Insurance

This protects the helper in the event of injury sustained during employment.

3. Indemnity Insurance

Some agencies require an indemnity policy to protect employers against claims or legal costs related to the helper’s employment.

Employer Obligations After Hiring

Once your foreign helper begins work, several ongoing responsibilities remain to ensure compliance with Malaysian laws.

1. Passport Retention Rules

Employers must not withhold the helper’s passport without written consent. This rule is strictly enforced to protect workers’ rights.

2. Record Keeping

Keep copies of:

• Work permit documents
• Employment contract
• Insurance certificates
• Monthly salary records
• Medical check results

3. Renewal Responsibilities

Employers must handle timely renewal of:

• Work permit
• Maid insurance (medical + accident)
• Passport renewal for Indonesian maid or helpers from other countries

4. Safe & Respectful Working Environment

Malaysia requires employers to provide a safe workspace free from harassment, threats, and unsafe conditions.

Why Working with a Licensed Maid Agency Matters

Partnering with a licensed maid agency Malaysia helps ensure compliance with all legal and contractual requirements. Agencies also manage documentation and reduce the risk of disputes.

Benefits of Using a Licensed Agency

• Accurate work permit processing
• Verified profiles of Indonesia maid or Philippines maid Malaysia
• Contract preparation and translation
• Medical, insurance, and onboarding support
• Replacement support in case of mismatch

Conclusion: Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities as an Employer

In summary, hiring a foreign domestic helper in Malaysia requires employers to comply with strict legal, documentation, contract, and insurance requirements. By understanding these obligations and partnering with a reputable foreign maid agency Malaysia, you ensure a safe, fair, and compliant working relationship.

When employers follow the correct procedures, both the household and the helper benefit—creating a stable, professional, and harmonious work environment rooted in respect and legal protection.