Monday, July 25, 2011

How to apply for a maid's JP Visa / Work Permit by yourself?

I have been running like a chicken without head to our government immigration department for our maid's JP Visa application. It's not funny when 2 immigration officers tell you different things and you end up making endless trips to the immigration department because they keep telling you dokumen tak lengkap (incomplete documents). You can also forget about calling them for inquiries unless you have a secretary to do it for you or otherwise risk spiking your blood pressure.

If you are trying to save some valuable bucks on agency fees, here are some useful guidelines from my own experience.

#1: Get your maid into Malaysia through social visit pass (Reference Visa / Visa Dengan Rujukan is not required as at to date - but please check with immigration department again).
Note: There is a freeze in JP visa application recently until further notice by immigration. (updated on 4th May 2012)

#2: Get the forms ready.
You can either download the forms by clicking on the forms below or head to the nearest immigration department to get it for free. You'll need 1 copy of each unless stated otherwise. Please fill up the forms completely. Immigration will not entertain partially filled forms and you'll be asked to re-submit the forms once you complete them.

Note: If the links above are broken, download the forms from immigration website (under the tab 'Dokumen yang diperlukan Permohonan PRA').

*Stamp duty can be obtained / done at Inland Revenues (LHDN) offices. Click here to view the list.

#3: Get ALL the required supporting documents ready.
  • Maid's original passport + photocopy of the passport's first page and entry stamp page
  • 2 passport sized photo your maid (1 for immigration, 1 for Fomema)
  • A copy of your latest EPF / KWSP statement + a copy of your latest payslip (for 3 months), OR your latest e-BE income tax statement with payment receipt.
  • Surat rayuan ( Letter of appeal) - a formal letter stating the reason you need a maid urgently.
You may apply for a maid under 1 of the 2 reasons stated below:
1. To care for your children below age 15, or
2. To care for your sick parents.

For reason no. 1, you'll need:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Child / children birth certificates
  • Original and photocopy of your I.C
  • Photocopy of your spouse's I.C
  • 2 passport sized photo of yourself
  • 1 passport sized photo of your spouse

For reason no. 2, you'll need:
  • A doctor's letter confirming health of your parents
  • Original and photocopy of your I.C
  • Photocopy of both your parents' I.C
  • 2 passport sized photo of yourself
  •  
    #4: Submit the forms and supporting documents to immigration department.
    From my experience, I suggest Putrajaya although it's a bit far but the officers there are friendlier and easier to deal with. The one we dealt with in Shah Alam gave us a set of forms to fill in but when we return for submission, another officer told us that the forms are outdated and requested us to fill up a new set. She wasn't helpful at all when we asked her what supporting documents the immigration requires and we were referred from counter to counter like fools.

    Once your submission of forms is accepted, you'll be given an acknowledgement letter (surat akuan penerimaan). You'll be told to call the phone numbers stated in the letter after 7 days for the result of your application. If you happened to be like me, no one at the immigration picks up your calls (I swear I tried calling at different hours from early morning till late evening but to no avail), then call the general line and ask for 'Unit Pembantu Rumah'. Once your application has been approved, there is a payment of RM960 (Amount has been increased to RM1,031- see point #5 in red). Also, you need to do registration at Fomema which cost another RM190.

    #5: Buy bank drafts.
    Go to any banks and buy 3 separate bank drafts. The 3rd bank draft is optional (you can purchase it later).

    • 1st bank draft is payable to Ketua Pengarah Imigresen Malaysia (RM 515).
    • 2nd bank draft is payable to FOMEMA Sdn Bhd (RM 190).
    • 3rd bank draft is also payable to Ketua Pengarah Imigresen Malaysia (RM 445) (Amount has been increased to RM516.) - Payment to be made if your maid passes her medical screening with Fomema.

    #6: Go to the Immigration Department where you submitted all your forms to pay the 1st bank draft. You'll be issued an official receipt and a letter of approval.

    #7: Get all the required documents ready before you proceed to Fomema for registration. See here for required documents and list of Fomema branches. In addition to that, you also need a photocopy of the official receipt (RM515) from immigration. It is also helpful to know which clinic you intend to bring your maid for her medical checkup. See list of panel clinics here.

    Note: Medical report from country of origin is not required. Registration form can also be obtained from the information counter on the day of registration itself.

    #8: Bring your maid for her medical checkup and x-ray.
    Please be reminded to bring her original passport and the 3-ply forms with you. The x-ray center is usually located nearby the clinic. Results are usually out by 3 to 4 working days. You can check the results online through Fomema's website. To be on the safe side, go to immigration department the next day (1 day after the release of medical screening results) because Fomema transmits the medical result to immigration via online and sometimes unforeseen circumstances (e.g. system is down) may occur.

    #9: If your maid passes her medical screening, proceed to the same immigration department with the 3rd bank draft in hand (RM 516). Bring along your maid's original passport!
    If your maid fails her medical screening, you need to send your maid back to her home country.

    #10: Congratulations! You have a legal maid working for you and now you'll have to deal with other potential problems that your maid might be giving you.
    Oh wait!.... You need to open a bank account for your maid too. Make sure you bank in her monthly salary on time and keep the proof of bank-in and withdrawals (if any). This will facilitate her visa renewal in 9 months time (that's because you need to start renewing her visa 3 months before the expiry date).

    xxx

    Read more on 'What to expect if you choose to hire illegals'

    218 comments:

    1. gahh, need to have baby first, susah la ni!

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    2. haha! u also need cash first.

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    3. omg i gave up at number 5 already.

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    4. Hi

      Can you explain the procedures to apply a Vietnamese maid directly. It seems that the maid cant come here before approval. TQ

      Nepal

      ReplyDelete
    5. The procedure to apply for a Vietnamese maid is the same as above. Previously maids need Visa with Reference to come into Malaysia but now they don't need one till further notice from Malaysia immigration. You just have to get the maid in via social visit. You can check with Malaysia immigration for further info. And to be safe, give the maid your contact number just in case she's stop by our immigration at point of entry.

      ReplyDelete
    6. hi thx for this useful & informative post. Im trying to bring in a maid from acheh. Im currently expecting, so no kids yet. I suppose we have to explain our reason in the appeal letter? Since i dont hv birth certs to submit. Thx.

      ReplyDelete
    7. Hi momtobe,

      You're welcome. In your case, it really depends on which immigration officer you'll be meeting. If he's strict, he might reject your application there and then, based on the rule that you can only apply for a maid to take care of kids or elderly parents.

      But of course you can appeal and state your reason (which is a very valid one) in the letter. There will be sort of an 'interview'/Q&A with a higher position immigration officer before they decide to accept your application. I suggest you go for the interview. I find that they're usually more lenient with pregnant women. Good luck! :D

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    8. Hi,

      This is a very helpful blog post.

      Wouldl like to ask, just in case you know... can this procedure be also applied to Filipino maids?

      Thanks!

      ReplyDelete
    9. Hi Joyce,

      Thanks for the comment. For Filipino maids, you need to go through an agent. I think it's a ruling by both countries.

      ReplyDelete
    10. HI, am planning to get my maid in through social pass permit. How do I actually pick her up from the airport? Do i need to bring any special documents with me?

      Thanks!

      ReplyDelete
    11. That's the tricky part. Actually you don't need any documents for your maid to enter M'sia via social pass because technically she's here for vacation. But sometimes the immigration officer at the airport might give her lots of trouble by asking tons of questions. They might also detain her if she fails to answer the questions.

      My advice: To avoid any trouble, pls ask her to say she's here for vacation & give her some cash as 'vacation money' just in case the immigration officer at the gate stops her, and also your contact number just in case she gets into trouble with the immigration officers at the airport.

      Also, pls check with M'sia immigration dept whether they still allow entry via social pass. Alternatively, you might want to consider applying Visa with Reference prior to your maid coming into M'sia.

      Hope my explanation helps.

      ReplyDelete
    12. Hi CT,

      TQ for sharing your adventurous experiences.

      Few queries come to my mind & hope you can clarify:
      1) Did you have the Medical report from country of origin submitted in your application.?
      I notice FOMEMA asked for this document.

      2) Can you share the copy of the Appeal Letter with us?

      Look forward to hear from you.

      ReplyDelete
    13. Hi Suarez,

      1) I did have a medical report from Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI) but it wasn't needed by Fomema. If I'm not mistaken, Fomema doesn't need any medical report from country of origin anymore (new ruling) but newly arrived maids need to do their medical check up with Fomema's panel clinics and obtain the working visa approval from immigration, all must be done within 30 days upon arrival.

      2) Pls go to this link for Letter of Appeal.
      http://talesfromjakarta.blogspot.com/2011/12/letter-of-appeal-to-immigration.html

      Hope it helps.

      ReplyDelete
    14. Hi CT,
      Thanks for your step by step explanation. Now I have a clearer picture in applying permit for a Filipino maid I intend to employ...but I have an issue here...I want the maid for taking care baby but my supporting document is not complete...I don't have marriage certificate but I need a maid badly cause I have a 4 year old n 8 months old boys..the maid is here now on social visit pass n I want to apply jp visa n special pas for her...is it possible with my condition?



      Totally lost - selangor

      ReplyDelete
    15. Hi Totally lost,

      It is still possible to apply for a maid. FYI, marriage cert is needed for first time application only. Thus, if this is your 2nd maid or so, you do not need to submit marriage cert.

      However, if this is your 1st maid application and you're legally married but somehow misplaced your marriage cert, then the immigration might ask you to get a copy from the NRD/JPN. If you're not married, then you do not need a marriage cert to begin with. Just let them know that you're a single parent when you submit the documents. The most important documents are your sons' birth certs.

      p/s. From my understanding, previously maids from Filipino are only allowed to apply for work permits through agents. Pls double check with immigration whether this old rule still applies.

      Hope you'll get your maid's jp visa soon!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Dear CT,

        My ex-maid whom we loved so much went back to indonesia since 2006. She worked for me three years.

        I haven't got another maid since after we had lost confident with a maid we hired after my last good one left. Cos the she stole our money and ran away.

        Anyway, my question is, im still in good contact with my first maid, and she has agreed to come back and work for me.

        Only problem is she is above 45 years old now. I saw the age requirement for domestic helper is between 21-45.

        Do you think if my maid will be allowed to work for me again?

        Man Kwan

        Delete
    16. Hi CT,

      Do you may share with me what is the procedure to get a medical report from Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI)? Do i need any reference letter from Malaysia representative in the origin country ?

      I'm planning to apply for Visa with Reference for my maid, will IMI accept photocopy of her passport for the application or it must be original passport ?

      ReplyDelete
    17. Hi IceQueen,

      I'm so sory for the late reply. I've been busy with my new baby lately.

      To get a medical report from TKI, all you need is for your maid to be present with her passport and some money. I don't remember how much is the fee though. You don't need any reference letter.

      As far as I know, immigration only accepts original passport.

      ReplyDelete
    18. Hi CT,

      Do you know whether I can still apply for an Indon maid on my own if I am self-employed and do not have any income statements yet (new business) and my husband has EPF statements, etc?

      Bee :)

      ReplyDelete
    19. Hi CT,
      How can I get the genuine indo maid supplier ?

      Do u have a contact that supply the maid from country of origin?

      Ya, actually Vietnamese maid cannot go thru JP visa. It's need to do calling visa.

      ReplyDelete
    20. Hi Bee,

      The immigration need proof of income (minimum RM3k to hire Indonesian maid & RM5k to hire Filipino maid). Therefore, you can't apply for a maid under your name if you don't have income statements of at least 3 months.

      If your husband is employed, you may apply for a maid under his name by providing his pay slips (3 months) and the latest EPF statement.

      ReplyDelete
    21. Hi Anonymous,

      What you meant is, do I have contact of agents in Indonesia? No, I don't. I usually get my Indon maids through my Indonesian friends and they're not agents.

      You may look up the internet for agents in Indonesia (especially Jakarta and Surabaya) but I doubt they do export of maids to individuals like myself unless you are an agent. As far as I know, they will only agree to send maids in bulk, not one by one.

      ReplyDelete
    22. Thanks CT,

      can you get your indo friend to help? i'd been looking for indo worker since oct 2011.

      I try to check on website, i can't get any direct agent in indonesia.

      Another thg, i heard the JP visa going to close on end of this month.

      flygal

      ReplyDelete
    23. Hi flygal,

      I'm afraid I can't help much if you want an indo maid. I've been trying to get indo maids for my friends too but up till today, the potential maids that I found didn't want to come over to Malaysia for work.

      The maids (I found 2 from Surabaya) are asking for minimum RM900 per month as salary. In addition to that, employer will have to pay for their passports and flight tickets to Malaysia. Also, they want to go back once a year and again, the air flight tickets will be paid by employer. And not to mention that if the fomema check up fails, employer will have to send the maid home at his/her own expense.

      Because of these issues, I got myself a Filipino maid recently. So sorry, I couldn't help.

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    24. I got the approval for my Indon maid in less than 2 weeks on my own. No hassle and everything was quite swiftly done. Now, it seems that the amount for the bank drafts have changed. Just wondering where I can find how much I need to buy in order to avoid go to the immigration office just for this inquiry. I tried calling but the answer was ambiguious.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. hie. did u find out how much is d bank draf now?

        Delete
    25. Hi Bee,

      Sorry, I'm not sure how much is the new amount is. The best way is to call the immigration directly. If you can't get through or having difficulty of getting them, try calling the General line, then ask to be transfered to the Unit Pembantu Rumah.

      ReplyDelete
    26. Hi CT,

      I'm about to embark on this adventure myself, and I hope the regulations haven't changed yet. I just want to say how grateful I am to have had you document this entire process in detail. I'm sure you've helped scores of others who are trying to do the same.

      Just to share with your readers, 2 weeks ago, I was in Yogyakarta with the maid I wanted to bring over. She was previously the maid for my inlaws, but stopped working, then decided to come back again. Her passport was still valid, but at the airport, she was stopped as apparently, you cannot use the same passport that you used for work to travel as a tourist.

      She then had to go through the arduous process of applying for a new tourist passport, and in order to do that, she needed to get various other documents ready first - KK, KPK, divorce letter, etc. It can be a harrowing process, but she's done the necessary, and I'm praying she'll make it into Malaysia tomorrow!

      Once again, thanks CT!

      ReplyDelete
    27. Hi Grace,

      You're welcome and thank you for the kind comment. I'm glad readers like you find my posting helpful. Hopefully everything goes well for your maid tomorrow!

      p/s. If your maid is using a NEW tourist passport, it's good for her to bring some money (about Rp 500k or RM150) along with her as 'wang petunjuk'. Most likely the immigration in Malaysia will ask her to show it to them if she cites 'holiday' as her reason to Malaysia.

      ReplyDelete
    28. Sigh, unfortunately my maid was stopped at the Yogyakarta airport and not allowed to board as they suspected she was coming to Malaysia to work and not as a tourist.

      I had already bought her a return flight from KL to Indonesia to prove she was returning, based on their requirement.

      I feel so sad at the moment, as she had to jump through many, many hoops to get a new passport meant for tourists. She also travelled repeatedly and spent a lot of hours on buses and she was rejected again at the airport on the basis of their suspicions. It's not so much the money I've spent on her new passport and flights, but I feel for her as she has had to go through so much, and yet get interrogated by these nasty immigration officials.

      Do you think I need to go through an agent now?

      ReplyDelete
    29. Hi Grace,

      I'm sad to hear that your maid didn't make it to Malaysia. That is a very common problem in Indonesia. I know how you feel and I bet your maid is feeling petrified from her experience at the airport. Perhaps your maid doesn't seem confident enough when answering their questions, that's why they didn't let her through. In fact, the immigration has no right to stop her if she has a return ticket.

      If you ask me whether you need an agent now, my answer is not yet (if your maid is still willing to give it a 2nd try). New passport usually have problems going through immigration. That is why you need proper planning and preparation.

      My advice is:
      1. Try to book another return flight tickets (KL - Yogyakarta - KL). Make it seem like a few days trip.

      2. Give your maid pocket money! This is very important as 'wang petunjuk' to prove that she has the money to come to Malaysia for a holiday.

      3. Tell her EXACTLY what to say if ask by the immigration. For example, where is she going? where is she staying? And she need to sound very convincing! They will also keep asking her the same questions over and over again, make sure her answers jive.

      4. If immigration ask whether she's going over to Malaysia for work, tell her to keep saying NO. From my maid's experience, the immigration will keep asking her again and again and again. So tell her no matter what happens, be confident and insist on NO.

      She shouldn't have a problem if she follows all that are stated above. If all else fails, you might want to consider getting her a Reference Visa in Indonesia before coming over. But of course that takes a lot of time. Another alternative, you can always give some money to the immigration in Indonesia. Price is between Rp500k to Rp1 million.

      Good luck!!!

      ReplyDelete
    30. I heard JP visa still freezed. Is it true?

      ReplyDelete
    31. Hi Anonymous,

      No, I don't think so. Many have managed to obtain the JP visa although there are issues with the Indonesian government freezing the incoming of maids into Malaysia previously.

      ReplyDelete
    32. Thanks for the blog posting on hiring maid directly.

      Went to Jabatan Tenaga Kerja and they said the proper way is to go thru authorised agents under their list. Asked about direct hiring and was asked to check with Immigration Dept.

      Checked with one of the agency and they said there is no profile available from Indonesia and asked me to hire Philippines/Vietnam maid instead. I guess it is mostly because they don't earn so much of commission and because there is no Indon maid profile available.

      Went to Immigration Dept. and there is no longer JP Visa available since end of February. Seems like it is being freeze. Asked when it is available again and told by the officers to wait for announcement.

      Sigh!..My scenario is I have a Indon maid working for my mother in law and her sister would like to come over here to work. And this is the reason I would like to bring her over her to take care of baby which is coming soon.

      Is the procedures that you listed legal in way? I would like to follow it once the JP Visa is available again.

      Is it troublesome to obtain reference visa rather than asking the Indon. maid to come over via social visit?

      Please advise. TQ

      ReplyDelete
    33. Hi Anonymous,

      Yes, you're right. Agents in Malaysia nowadays do not want to take in Indon maids anymore due to low profit margin.

      The procedure listed above IS LEGAL. There was a period of time when Indonesia froze the maids from coming over to Malaysia. That was when our govt agree for the maids to come in using social visit pass before applying for a JP visa here. Therefore, the Reference visa was not required at that time.

      Since the issues on maids between Indonesia and Malaysia have been resolved recently, it's only logical that they freeze JP visa. All maids from Indonesia now have to obtain Reference visa before coming into Malaysia. I think it's quite unlikely for our immigration to allow application of JP visa without a Reference visa any sooner.

      To obtain a Reference visa, you might need an agent. If your maid is educated and smart, she can apply it herself in Indonesia. There will also be a waiting period for approval (maybe 1 to 2 months) before she can come over to Malaysia. With the Reference visa, then you can proceed to apply for JP visa yourself, once your maid is here.

      If you're in need of a maid soon (due to new baby) then I think the fastest way is for your maid to come in using social visit pass. Then you need to hire an agent here in Malaysia to do the JP visa because only an agent can get it approved in this not-so-legal way (since you can't do it yourself anymore with the freeze of JP visa).

      If you need more info, I will call the agent that I used for my maid and see how much they're charging for this not-so-legal way. Pls let me know if you need the info. Hope my explanation helps.

      ReplyDelete
    34. Hi CT,

      Do you mean that the JP Visa freeze is meant for employer only and authorized agent can apply the JP Visa instead? Yes, appreciate if you can obtain information from your agent on the fees and other information.
      As of the latest information released, the agency fees and etc is capped at RM 4511 for hiring an Indon maid.

      I am pondering is it troublesome to get a reference visa for the maid here instead of getting the maid here via social visit as there could be possibility the maid being stopped by immigration in Indonesia. As you mentioned, getting a reference visa require assistance from agent as well? And with reference visa, employer can apply JP Visa by their own?

      And as of the latest information that I read, maid need to undergo 200 hours of training via agency in Indonesia as well to obtain the Competence Training certificate. If by bringing the maid over here ourselves, it means they will skipped this process.

      It seems thing is getting more complicated that even the Immigration Dept, Human Resources Dept and agency asked me to go for Filipino maid instead. But the reason I would like to go for Indon. maid is purely because she is the sister of the Indon. maid working for my mother in law which is really good, competent and someone whom I know rather than strangers.

      TQ.

      ReplyDelete
    35. Hi Anonymous,

      I've just called up 2 of my agents. According to both of them, JP visa is frozen since 29 Feb this year. It means, both agents and employers can't apply for the JP visa for Indon maids. Initially I thought the agent that I was dealing with currently can get the JP visa for your case. Because I just got my maid's working permit and my maid came in using social visit pass. However, she's a Filipino, not Indon.

      Therefore in this case, whether with or without Reference visa, it doesn't matter anymore because the application for work permits for Indonesian maids are closed until further notice by the immigration. I'm sorry.

      Perhaps you want to consider hiring a Filipino instead. From my experience with both Indon and Filipino maids, the Filipino one is much better in terms of caring for baby (more responsible). If you take one straight from agency, it cost RM12k (RM8k for the fee and RM4k for 4 months upfront salary). If you can find one by yourself, the fee is about RM6.5k. Salary is negotiable between you and the maid. For more info on this, you can read the posting here. http://talesfromjakarta.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-hire-filipino-maid-in-malaysia.html

      ReplyDelete
    36. Thank you very much for your effort.

      I presume the agents that you contacted is under the list of authorized agent for hiring Indon. maid. I just find it weird that the freeze to export Indon. maid has been lifted by both government but yet it seems that we can't hire any over. Agency here claimed that there is still no profile available.

      Perhaps, it explains that Indon. govt. want to take control of exporting the maid using their own agent and training the maid themselves and then start exporting again. And only then we can start hiring again when this is finalized.

      Thanks again and I will need to explore other option then

      ReplyDelete
    37. Hi, my house maid used to apply JP visa for the first year. Then the second, third or fourth years of her working as a house maid, the permit is still consider a JP permit or regular house maid working permit? Thank you.

      ReplyDelete
    38. URGENT!

      This is the 4th years my Indo house maid work with me.
      To save cost, I renew her permit via MyEG not the original maid agency(Last 3 years renewed through agency).

      Now the original agency says that she is a "Social Maid"?
      that she came to Malaysia by social visit?
      Then what is JP Visa? Only needed once to apply 1st time permit?

      So now she is as a regular house maid? Or "Social Maid"? Can I renew via MyEG(I have already paid and gave my maid passport to MyEG, now waiting return)?

      Thank you.

      ReplyDelete
    39. Hi Anonymous,

      JP visa is only for first time application. It means JP visa is only for new maids.

      For the 2nd year and 3rd year, employers do not need to apply for JP visa anymore but to renew the maids' work permit and also to bring their maids for Fomema medical screening.

      From the 4th year onwards, employers do not need to bring their maids for Fomema medical screening anymore. The just need to renew the maids work permit annually.

      There's no such thing as social maid when you renew her work permit through MyEG. MyEG is a valid portal that caters to employers who opt to renew their maids' work permit online. In my opinion, I think your agent is unhappy that you found another alternative to renew your maid's work permit so he is saying all sorts of nonsense so you go running back to him for renewal next time.

      ReplyDelete
    40. Dear CT,

      Thanx a lot for such an informative blog. How I wish that I've read yr blog before I dealt with bogus agent last year. It's already 10 months passed that Im still waiting for my Indon maid's working permit. Yes, you are right, I know now that Im using an illegal one despite spending about 10k to get her frm agent :(
      That's why Im very much in doubt, how could I help myself?? I have a pair of twin girls aged 9th months. I need a maid badly and how could I just send her back to the agent, knowing that it's wrong to use an illegal maid...
      On the other hand, I did think of giving the agent a 'good lesson', hahaaa...anyone here faced the same problem with agent?? What can we do, vy innocent indeed :)

      ReplyDelete
    41. Hi there, when an Indonesian maid want to go back for a holiday, any procedures need to do? I heard that a Surat Cuti is needed? If yes, any example? Thank you.

      ReplyDelete
    42. Thank you CT. Finally I got back my maid passport from My EG. By the way, my maid want to go back for holidays. Do you have experience with it? Thank you very much.

      ReplyDelete
    43. Dear Anonymous,

      There's nothing that we can do with regards to bogus agents. Thre're way too many of them out there. And since you are really in need of a maid and you have paid 10k for the maid, just continue with it. If you have a signed contract with the agents that you paid, and also a valid receipt from them, you can opt to lodge a police report but that also means losing your maid since she is not legal to work. Moreover, the JP visa is now frozen so there's no way your maid can obtain her work permit for now.

      So sad to hear things like this happening and employers don't have much choice but to bear with it. Sigh.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Thank you CT for yr reply. Yeah, no choice but js 'keep' her for 2 years...if Indon gov still ban their people frm coming, I might consider to tk Filipino. Anyway, many thanks and hope u enjoy yr motherhood. My babies are 9mnths now, and I understand how we need the domestic helper so badly :) Have a nice day!

        Delete
    44. Dear Anonymous,

      I don't think you need a surat cuti for your maid to go back to her home country. No formal procedure, just a return flight ticket.

      If I'm not mistaken, surat cuti (or a letter from immigration) is needed when you are bringing your maid out of Malaysia to another country which is NOT her home country, for example; if you're bringing your family for holidays and your maid tags along.

      ReplyDelete
    45. Dear Anonymous,

      Great to hear you got the passport back! With my Indon maids that I had previously, I gave her 2 weeks off in a year (usually during Hari Raya) for her to go back Indonesia. No formal procedure involves, just a return flight ticket.

      But make sure you keep a photocopy of her latest work permit and the first page of her passport with her photo. If she asks for her salary, give her 50% and keep the balance with you. And make sure you explain to her that if she doesn't come back again, you can still cancel her work visa (even without her passport in hand) and she will be blacklisted from coming into Malaysia. That was what I did with my maids.

      ReplyDelete
    46. I have read a comment as below and mentioned about KTKLN? I don't know how accurate about this.

      my maid is going back for a holiday too. The agent says that upon returning, the maid will have to show the following documents 1. Passport 2. Work Permit 3. Insurance 4. Letter from Employer 5. KTKLN Card . The KTKLN stands for Kartu Tenaga Kerja Luar Negeri can only be applied by your indonesian maid in Indonesia. It cannot be applied here. So you must give specific instructions to your maid on how to apply for the card back home. Best to check with your agent. My agent says that the application can be done at the airport in Indonesia. I saw a post on the addresses where the application for the KTKLN can be made in this blog post but I do not know how accurate it is since the post is dated in 2011.

      http://pjtkidantki.wordpress.com/2011/05/15/persyaratan-mendapatkan-ktkln-dan-alamat-kantor-bp3tki/

      ReplyDelete
    47. Hi Anonymous,

      Yes, starting June 2011, maids who go back to Indonesia for holiday but plan to re-enter Malaysia need KTKLN. It's an identification card for all working out of country. As far as I know, it's not easy to obtain the KTKLN especially if your maid is not educated because she need to fill up some forms and make payment before she can apply for one at the airport (only in Jakarta and Surabaya airports) or other stated venue here (http://ktkln.bnp2tki.go.id/lokasi_ktkln.pdf). Employers also need to buy insurance for the maid before she is allowed to apply for the KTKLN.

      My maid has gone back to Indonesia and back again to Malaysia somewhere last year but she has not been asked for the KTKLN. Maybe she's lucky. Anyway, for maids who is already here and would like to go back for a short trip, please help her to apply online here at http://ktkln.bnp2tki.go.id/tkiprof.htm

      However, payment of USD15 for this (it's called DP3KTI payment) must be made in Indonesia at the locations listed here ==> http://ktkln.bnp2tki.go.id/lokasi_ktkln.pdf

      ReplyDelete
    48. http://pjtkidantki.wordpress.com/2011/05/15/persyaratan-mendapatkan-ktkln-dan-alamat-kantor-bp3tki/

      I'm not clear about information as link above because of Indonesia language.

      I have asked Immigration Malaysia and they told me that no letter of cuti or any others procedures needed as long as my maid work permit is renewed and they has not mentioned about KTKLN.

      I'm confuse now. What I prepared for her now is passport, work permit, insurance and surat cuti only.

      What my maid told me is when she came back March last year, she was asked to pay some money at bandong, Indonesia Airport.

      I wonder if house maid also need to apply ktkln or only working in professional area is needed?

      Please give me some advice. Thank you.

      ReplyDelete
    49. Hi Anonymous,

      As I mentioned in my earlier comments, Indon maids who work here with a valid work permit are allowed to go back to Indonesia, without any documentations by our immigration. However, Indonesia government came out with this KTKLN ruling last year which requires maids who work overseas (not only Malaysia but other countries as well) to obtain KTKLN. Obviously, there is no communication between our Malaysia govt and Indonesia govt on this issue that made it hard for employers with Indon maids.

      Yes, in the website you gave me, it is stated that maids need KTKLN. On the issue when your maid was asked to pay some money at Bandung airport, it has nothing to do with KTKLN because KTKLN ruling came out only in June (and your maid encountered that in March). Please know that it's very often that immigrations in Indonesia ask for money. They will say things like, passport problem or visa not valid, or even ask for letters from employers and etc, just to get some money from maids. This is very 'normal'. If your maid is smart, she'll get through it without having to pay a single cent. If she's intimidated by what the immigration officer says, then most likely she'll end up paying him.

      Anyway, back to the KTKLN, I really can't give you a sound advice. Our Malaysia immigration do not need any documentations but the Indon immigration requires one. So if your maid goes back, she might be stopped at the immigration in Indonesia due to KTKLN. But again, this depends on luck because most immigration officers will let her through. But do give her a letter (you can call it surat cuti), stating the duration of her cuti and signed off by you, together with your contact number, just in case she's in trouble. If you want to play it safe, then ask your maid to apply for KTKLN in Indonesia once she's there.

      Sorry I can't help much. Hope my explanation helps.

      ReplyDelete
    50. Hi, if I would like to hire a Vietnamese maid by myself, do I need to send her here as social visit first then only do fomema check up and necessary procedures for working permit?

      ReplyDelete
    51. Hi I m planning to hire Vietnamese maid by myself. I have contacted the lady and do not know the procedure.may I get aprocedure should I buy ticket for her to come then only do necessary procedure or she must be at Vietnam while I do the procedure in msia?pls help..

      ReplyDelete
    52. Hi I would like to hire vietnamese maid n would like to know the procedure.i have contacted the Vietnamese lady and should I buy her a ticket to msia and do any necessary procedure as u mentioned above?

      ReplyDelete
    53. Hi CT,
      Very much thanks to this blog that now since a week a go after i got a indon maid in my house, working like tut**** to prepare those docs to submit. After i paid for rm7k to get the "minah indon" only, and agent say if they submit the permit on behalf employer, they charge another rm4,500 fuyoooooooOOOO agent kayas giler lor. So, my fren advs me to try DIY. I tried ask n advs from the agent that gave me maid but seem they tak layan because i say i want to DIM (Do-It-Myself)....so difficult for me to fill-up the forms tak faham...i have to goggle here there and thanks i found many blog that helps me a lot including this blog.....i do not have anybody to refer as they stil want charge me at least for rm1,500.......for what?????......thanks dear thanks thanks thankssssssss

      ReplyDelete
    54. Hi Kimora,

      So sorry for my very late reply. I'm not familiar with the procedure of Vietnamese maids. So sorry I'm unable to help you on this.

      Hi Roxa,

      Glad my posting helps! Cheers!

      ReplyDelete
    55. Hi CT,

      hope to get your advise. I recently got a maid in through social visit pass. Only now that i realised that we cant apply the JP visa directly. The social pass is only valid for 30 days. Not sure what to do now. Should i get an agency to arrange it for me now? I'm very worried now, if the approach the immigration now will it be an offence? Appreciate your feedback.

      Thanks
      MP

      ReplyDelete
    56. Hi CT,

      Need your advice. I got a maid in through social visit pass 2 days ago. I just realised that we are unable to do the JP visa directly with immigration. Now that the maid is here, should i get an agency to make the arrangement? I'm very worried now, i whether it is a offence if i approach the immigration now? Really not sure what to do now. Appreciate your reply.

      Thanks
      MP

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi MP,

        So sorry for my late reply. Yes, employers are not allowed to apply for JP visa anymore. You have to go through an agent. I'm not sure how much are the charges for Indonesian maid but my Filipino maid's work permit was charged RM6.5k(agent's fee) + RM516(work visa) + RM200(1st extension of social visit pass) + RM350(2nd extension of social visit pass). She's given a Special Pas (Pas Khas) after the extension.

        It's not an offence to approach the immigration now. They will tell you to go to an agent to apply for your maid's work permit. Your maid's social visit pass is valid for 1 month. If you decide to approach an agent now, please ask your agent to extend your maid's social visit pass 2 days before the expiry. If I'm not mistaken, your maid is allowed to extend her social visit pass for 2 times (1 time = 1 month), of course with the reason 'waiting for work permit approval'.

        Hope this helps. :)

        Delete
    57. Hi CT,

      Do you have any info on maids from India?

      I had a maid from India under social visit pass. When i called (to the immigration, got the no from the information counter) to find out what happen, after waiting for about 1 hour since the time the flight landed, an officer answered upon mentioning my maid's name saying i m her cousin, the officer said she is being detained as she did not have sufficient "wang sara diri". i told she would be staying with me as such don't need that much of amount and after getting my info over the phone such as name, contact no, ic no & add, the release her, saying i m the gurantor for her.

      the next day i went to JB's immigration department to apply for her JP visa but they mentioned no longer issuing JP visa but i can try to apply for a permit via Putra Jaya. She said not sure can get but asked me to try.

      Do u have any info on appying a permit for India maid? Or can I just renew her visa monthly by going in & out of singapore? i m really confused. she has her social visit visa till 13th of next mth...

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Anonymous,

        So sorry, I'm not familiar with application of work permit for maids from India. You may try applying for JP visa in Putrajaya but I doubt it will work because:
        1) Issue of JP visa is frozen until further notice.
        2) To apply for JP visa, you still need Visa with reference / Visa Dengan Rujukan (VDR). Please read point number 6 here ==> http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/foreign-domestic-helper

        Alternatively, you may look for an agent to do the application for you. Please do not keep renewing her visa by exiting and entering the country, because it will only work for 1-2 times. Not a good choice.

        Delete
    58. Hi CT,
      Need your advice. I've just got an Indonesia maid thru Agency last 2 days. And have submitted all the relevant documents and agent fees. But today they call me up, saying that there is new rules that I have to go to the imigresen for the application. Do you hear any new rules? They said actually my case is like bringing in the maid direct (own application) cos the maid come in already before application but the agent will accompany. They bring in the maid from Indonesia directly. Why we need to go to imigresen even though via agent? Is this call JP visa application? Is JP open?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Anonymous,

        I haven't heard of any new rules about this. I do have friends who recently applied for Indonesian maids through agents and none of them have to go to the immigration. All you need to do is to write a letter of appeal (since your maid is already here) to the immigration. I have a copy of the letter here (http://talesfromjakarta.blogspot.com/2011/12/letter-of-appeal-to-immigration.html).

        Current rule is, to apply for JP visa, your maid need VDR (Visa Dengan Rujukan) before she comes over to Malaysia. Immigration will not issue JP visa without it. But perhaps your agent will have her way to deal with this. Hope this helps.

        Delete
    59. Hi CT, I find your advice very useful and helpful. I am intending to hire my maid's sister in Philippines as my current maid contract' expires in Nov. Would you be able to share you agent contact no as my agent wants to charge me rm12k instead of rm6.5k. Many thanks in advance.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Sure. Please call Ms. Mariam at 016-9742059. Her office is at Jalan Jelatek, K.L.

        Delete
      2. Is Ms.Mariam's employment agency legal?.Sorry no offence ment.Thanking you in advance.

        Delete
      3. She claimed that it's legal but I have no idea for sure. I have never been to the office.

        Delete
    60. Hi CT,
      We are a British Singaporean family relocating to KL from Singapore n would like to take our Filipino maid with us. Would like to check if
      1) she is allowed to enter KL as a visitor n then we apply for work permit once she is in KL
      2) if option 1 is not possible, then, can we process her work permit from Singapore n then enter Malaysia thereafter. The reason I suggested this is because this is how we did it in Abu Dhabi,.... Our Filipino maid's visa was processed together with the family's visa subject to medical check-ups upon arrival in Abu Dhabi.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Finlay,

        Sorry for my extremely late reply! Both options are possible. Option 1 can be done through an agent here. I am not sure whether expats are allowed to apply for their maid's work visa on their own without an agent but Malaysian will definitely need to go through agent. However, the safest bet is option 2 and I guess it's less costly compared to option 1. The agent charges between RM6.5k to 8k (all in). U may bring your maid in under social visit pass but pls get her work permit within 30 days. Further extension is possible but with valid reason.

        Delete
    61. Hi CT,

      Your blog is very informative and I've learned alot! i really appreciate your patients answering all the question as much as possible!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Thank you. From my past experience, it wasn't easy to deal with or contact immigration dept in Malaysia. So I hope to answer all the questions here. :)

        Delete
    62. Hi CT,

      How soon do we need to apply for the JP visa for maid? We have to wait till the maid arrives in Malaysia or we an start the process before she comes? How soon we need to submit the document to immiragtion depertment once the maid is here?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hello.

        If you are referring to Indonesian maid, you need to apply for JP visa before she arrives here. U need an agent or a person who is currently in Indonesia to do the paperwork there. Upon arrival, you may apply for a work permit at the Malaysia immigration dept with all the relevant documents and JP visa that your maid brought in. Pls do not bring in your maid without approved JP visa because most likely she'll be stopped and questioned by the immigration at the airport. Moreover, application for JP visa in Malaysia is now frozen. Alternatively, get an agent to do it for you but of course it's very costly.

        If you're referring to Filipino maid, there are 2 options.
        1. Apply for the JP visa in Philippines then work permit upon arrival. This is the 'proper' channel.
        2. Come in under social visit pass. Upon arrival, hire an agent to process her working permit. Employers are not allowed to apply for filipino maid working permit by themselves. Cost of application through agent is rm6.5k to rm8k. You may refer to some of my earlier replies above on the cost breakdown. If you need the number of the agent that I use, email me pls.

        Delete
      2. Oh... By the way, you need to obtain the work visa within 30 days upon arrival of your maid in Malaysia. My advice is to submit the documents ASAP because immigration takes around 10 working days and fomema usually takes 3 to 4 working days.

        Delete
    63. i just got back from ptrajaya immigration, i guess the friendliness comes in time zone. x tht friendly jst now and the procedure r sooooooooooo mafan, x wonder so many of us rather take the risk of getting illegal maids... and the amount u hafta pay is so ridiculous!!! i did it once, going around here n thr under table here n there, end up spent arnd 4k, the maid ran away and i had 2 pay denda 2 immigration RM250, she ran away i paid the consequences. i think the best way join BN n become sumbody and everthing is given 2 u...

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hahaha! Life is never fair ya. To expect fairness is like hoping that a tiger won't eat you just because you don't eat tigers. :D

        Delete
    64. Hi CT,

      You mentioned that the "proper" channel for Filipino maid is to apply a JP Visa in Philippine. Once she gets the JP visa, does she still need to go through the agent to get her work permit?

      Thanks!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Anonymous,

        Yes, she still need to get an agent here in Malaysia to do her work permit. It's a law by our M'sia immigration.

        Delete
    65. My fren's maid refer her niece to work in M'sia and I plan to employ her. She is an Indonesian which is currently staying in Bali. Can you please advise what should I do to bring her in on my own? If thru agent, you know any agents that can help to process such and the cost? Headache is I go thru the immigration website, stated that it is compulsory to obtain Indon maid thru agent and we are unable to do it ourself?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi prettydress,

        You need to obtain Visa with Reference (Visa dengan Rujukan, VDR) BEFORE she enters Malaysia. Previously, Indonesians are allowed to enter Malaysia without VDR and then apply for a JP visa here. However, this ruling has changed recently. Here is a simplified step by step application process:

        1. Apply for a VDR BEFORE your maid enters Malaysia.
        2. Once she is in Malaysia, apply for a JP visa using the VDR.
        3. Once the JP visa is approved, send her for Fomema medical check up.
        4. If she passes her Fomema medical, immigration will issue her a 1 year work permit. If she fails, you may appeal or send her back to Indonesia.

        It's up to you whether you want to go through an agent. It's not compulsary for employer to hire an agent in the case of Indonesian maids. However, to obtain a VDR, your maid need to be smart enough to do it on her own. She needs to go to the Malaysia Embassy in Indonesia to fill in forms and pay the fees (not sure how much). When she arrives in Malaysia, you can apply for the JP visa yourself (or thru an agent) but the process is very tedious.

        The agent that I used previously is for Filipino maids and they don't do Indonesian maids' visa application. I paid about RM7.8k just to get my Filipino maid's work permit.

        Delete
    66. Hi CT,

      Thank you for all your sharing. Just a quick Qs: In short, to get a Phillipine maid we must go thru an agent regardless I have already found one myself direct from Phillipine right? If yes, do you have any contact of agent who can help me?

      Many Thanks in advance for your advice.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Anonymous,

        Yes, you still need an agent here to process your Filipino maid's work permit. It's a law by our M'sia immigration. I have the contact. Can you email me so that I can give you the number via email? Thanks.

        Delete
    67. Hi there, nice informative blog. Can I check with you if I already have a Phillipino candidate (frm my own contact) , is it still better to apply her to Msia myself or thru an agent? If via agent, do u hv any agent I can find?

      Many thanks in advance for your help.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Pisces,

        You still need an agent to process the work permit. It's a law by our M'sia immigration. The agent charges RM6.5k, not including the fee of social pass extension and the work visa levy. All in total is about RM7.8k. I have agent who did it for me before. Can you email me so that I can give u her number via email? Thanks.

        Delete
    68. Hi CT...i recently (3 weeks ago) collected the JP visa application form from putrajaya office. they told me to apply maid thru JP visa from here. they advised me to tell the PRA to come to m'sia thru social visa and i need to apply using JP visa in m'sia. the fees is about RM1K++. once the application is successfully i need to take the PRA to fomema. seems like the JP visa application in m'sia is back on. please advice. my PRA is already in m'sia since last week

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Kanyabee,

        If the officer tells you it's possible to apply for a JP visa, then I guess they have lifted the ban that was imposed earlier this year. Just follow the steps listed above. If you have any updates on the steps, kindly let me know so that I can further update this blog for the benefits of everyone reading it. Thanks and hope your maid gets her permit soon!

        Delete
      2. This comment has been removed by the author.

        Delete
      3. HI, Kanyabee, you managed to apply via JP Visa? any problem you encounter? Any further advise… Is your maid arrive then only you go to apply? And did you obtain any VDR before your maid arrive?
        pls advise, as am also tying to bring in (hiring) my ex maid to work for me again… appreciate you can share some experience… thanks

        Delete
    69. I wish to apply my own Indonesian naid by mysrlf recomnended by my friend in Indonesia. Am I suppose to apply the JP Visa at Putrajaya before she enter Malaysia? Or she still need to apply VDR at her side?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi kristin,

        With reference to the comment above by kanyabee, I think immigration has open up jp visa application again. This means your maid may come in via social visit pass. Once she is here, you may apply for a jp visa at our immigration dept.

        Vdr is not required if she enters malaysia under social visit pass. However, you may want to give her some 'pocket money' to show that she's coming here for a holiday. Immigration exit point in indonesia will ask her to show the money (called uang petunjuk). Without that, she will be denied exit, even with a valid passport.

        Delete
    70. Hi! U r so helpful! If I get the ticket of my prospectve maid from philippines and three day tourist stay in Malaysia s stated in d ticket and if she pass the imgration in Malysia, is it ok to rebook d ticket and later on for further stay??thanks

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. It is always okay to extend ones stay in Malaysia as a tourist as long as it's within 30 days or as stipulated in the entry stamp in the passport.

        Delete
    71. Hi CT, i wish to renew my maid permit. Can u advise me what should i do.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. You may renew your maid's permit through myeg website. I think the fee is rm516. For 2nd and 3rd year renewal, maid need to go for fomema medical screening.

        Delete
    72. Hi CT, I heard that even u got an agent, employer still needs to go Putrajaya personally to obtain a permit for indo maid.is this true? Im frm negeri sembilan n its quite troublesome if I need to go there personally even I pay the agent.agent told me that employer has to attend an interview there..I tried to clarify with immigration dept but have called two days to no avail.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. From what I know, u don't have to go to immigration if u get an agent to do it for u, unless your agent is not a 'real' agent (no license as an agent). In this case, your so called agent is acting as a middle man to 'help' u process the permit and therefore u still have to personally go to immigration. An agent with valid license don't require employers to be present at the immigration.

        Delete
      2. Thanks CT.I went to the immigration dept in my state n it stated 'hanya majikan dibenarkan berurusan'n it's effective frm 16Jan2013.My agent is listed as registered agent in immig dept but still, agent said they can only 'accompany'employer. Im not sure how about the situation in other states. However Im waiting for the permit to b approved now.

        Delete
    73. CT, my maid about to arrive, just like to double confirm that indonesia maid doesn't need VDR to apply for a working permit as u stated on ur recent post? I am not sure whether she enter Malaysia with social pass or holiday visit, in this case any difficulty to get a working permit if she is under holiday visit?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi KC,

        Social pass is for holiday visit, valid for 30 days from her arrival date. For now, she doesn't need a vdr because our immigration is allowing employers to apply for the maids' working permit themselves. Just follow the steps written above and your maid should get her work permit before her social pass expires.

        Delete
    74. Can you apply for a second maid using the JP visa?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes. The process is the same except that you must meet the higher requirements set by the immigration, e.g, employer's minimum salary, reason for hiring 2nd maid.

        Delete
    75. Hi CT,
      Do we have to bring our maid who is under the JP Visa method to the Indonesia Embassy for interview and get some sort of approval letters from them before we go to Putrajaya to submit the application?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. No, u don't have to. Unless immigration has come up with new rules which I'm not aware of.

        Delete
    76. Hi my maid jst arrived today fr indonesia. However, her passport is stated she is 20 yrs old and the minimum age for permit is 21. Any way I ca go about processing her permit? She came using tourist visa. Thx. Annonymous

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hmm... this is a tricky situation. Usually she need to 'fix' the age in indonesia, not here. Because indonesians don't have I.D cards like us, many fake their age before applying for a passport. Now that she has already gotten her passport and came over, I'm afraid you can't do much to help her.

        Delete
    77. Hi CT, Just want to double confirm. Does maid needs the medical check up report from Indonesia? I am applying by myself.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. If u are applying it yourself as an employer, u don't need one. Just the fomema medical screening will do.

        Delete
    78. Hi Ct. May I ask u some question on the Maid Issue?

      Case1 : if the applicant is apply for the second maid. The minimum required for the income is need rm10,000 and above. If the applicant no have meet the requirement of the rm10,000. What is the solution did the applicant need to do?

      Case2: if the applicant is the father, the reason for hired the maid is caring his wife which having sick. The applicant does not have any income tax document for hired the first maid. What the solution did the applicant need to do?

      Thanks you and have a nice days

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Case 1: To hire a 2nd maid, immigration is very strict. So u need to meet the requirements of minimum total household income of RM10k, AND a solid reason to hire a 2nd maid. Otherwise they won't approve your application.

        Case 2: If the applicant is working for company, he may provide payslips (3 months) and epf summary. If applicant is running his own business, he need to provide income statement of his business. Minimum income requirement: 1st maid - RM 3k per household; 2nd maid - RM10k per household. Also, pls obtain a doctor's letter on wife's condition for submission.

        Delete
    79. Hi CT

      I would like to find a maids for cleaning jobs means work for me izzit possible to have it and what's the requirement they need?Or have you any agent/website recommended that's I can refer it?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Cleaning job as in for your home (own usage) or as cleaners services for other people's houses?

        If you need a maid for your own house, the process is either u have a candidate in mind and you apply for a work permit yourself or you look for a maid thru an agency. Pls refer to the requirements here: http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/ms/perkhidmatan-utama/pembantu-rumah-asing

        If you are talking about employing maids for business purposes, e.g. cleaners services, then refer to this: http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/ms/perkhidmatan-utama/pekerja-asing

        Delete
    80. Hi CT,

      I have a maid who came as visiting on Aug 2012. We catered an agency to help her getting her JP visa and currently have renewed so the new expiry date is Aug 2013. She is planning to go back for a holiday this end of march before I deliver my next baby which will be on may. So, we got back to our agency requesting them to make a letter clarifying that she is going back for holiday for 2 weeks. However, my agency said that she cant go back due to JP visa. I am quite confuse! Because my in law also has a maid who came as visiting initially and has been going back Indo and come back without any problem.
      1) Is this relevant to you?
      2) From my understanding from your blog, JP visa is applicable for only the first year working in Malaysia. So when I have renewed for her 2nd year that is considered as working visa already right?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. JP visa is a visa for those maids who have entered Malaysia as tourists (using social visit pass) then later apply for a work permit. Therefore, BEFORE our immigration issue these maids a valid work permit, they will issue a JP visa beforehand (while waiting for the work permit approval). JP visa is for first year application only and it cannot be renewed or non renewable. Any maids whose work permits have expired and gone home but re-enter Malaysia (via tourist pass) for 2nd time to work also need to apply for JP visa because it is considered as 1st year, and not 2nd year due to the expired work permit.

        If your maid has obtained a work permit (a work permit sticker with your name and address in her passport) then she is able to travel back to indonesia for holidays. If she hasn't gotten the sticker, it means she is still under JP visa. In this case, she cannot travel out of the country yet, until her work permit is approved.

        Hope this clarifies.

        Delete
    81. hi, i have a relative who came down under tourist visa. Later after 2 months here she ran away with her contacts and reason i dont know y?
      The pasport is with me. Can she leave the country without the pasport. She is from sri lanka.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. No one can leave the country without a valid passport.

        Delete
    82. For all who are keen to employ indonesian informal workers (Maids), should be aware and respect of the laws, both side, indonesian and malaysian. And that malaysian employers and malaysian government do not know the indonesian labour regulation specific for informal workers, it's understandable.Even in each province in Indonesia, the regulation can be slightly different. For safety, please liase with Indonesian embassy, the labour attache. This is for the convenience of both parties, the informal worker(maid) and the employer. Just follow the regulation needed. It is a hassle but always remember, we are dealing with human.Better avoid the risk of not following the regulation by Indonesian,for example using the shortcut, like sending the maid using tourist passport. The maid will not be protected by Indonesian Embassy if anything happen to her because it is seen as illegal, none of indonesian agency or malaysian agency will take the responsibiity if something bad happen to her or the employer. This happens very often. thank you for the attention.

      ReplyDelete
    83. Hi. I'm applying for work permit for a maid on my own without agent. Base on the forms you listed that need to be submitted to Immigration and comparing that to the checklist from the Immigration website, I would like to enquire the following and appreciate your assistance:
      1) Do I need to fill up form IM38? (as per Immigration checklist)
      2) For Lampiran B, since the maid is already here on social pass, who should sign the Saksi dari Negara Sumber section?

      Appreciate if you could reply soonest possible as I'm desperate for time.

      Thanks.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Dina,

        1)IM38 is for maids who are brought in through agencies. For your case, you don't need to fill that up.

        2)Just leave it blank. That is for agent from Indonesia to sign.

        Delete
      2. Thanks a lot for your reply CT :)

        I have a few additional questions:
        1) For IM12, particulars of sponsor would be me as the employer, is this correct? Also, the form should be signed by both applicant (maid) and employer or either one?
        2) The Personal Bond form is to be signed by employer, is this correct?
        3) For Lampiran C, Saksi must be an Immigration officer. Does this mean the Immigartion officer will sign the form upon submission?

        Appreciate your reply & assistance. Thank you.

        Delete
      3. 1) I remember leaving the section C and D empty. I just fill up section A and B. To be signed by your maid.

        2) Yes, personal bond form to be signed by employer.

        3) Yes, the officer will sign upon submission.

        And you are welcome... :)

        Delete
      4. Hi. For the employment contract, can stamping be done by Commissioner of Oath like the Personal Bond?

        You've been a great help. Thanks a lot.

        Delete
      5. No, you have to go to the stamping office to do it.

        Delete
    84. Oh...i see. Do you where can I do the stamping then?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. At IRB/LHDN. Look for the list of addresses in the link provided in my blog above.

        Delete
    85. Hi CT,
      After getting the JP visa stamp, any idea how long they'll take to process for approval so that we can arrange check up at Fomema? thanks!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I think you meant JP visa approval? Once you submitted all the documents, you need to wait for approval of JP visa (may take up to 7 days). Once JP visa is approved (there is no stamp), you need to make payment at the immigration. Then, an approval letter for JP visa will be issued to you. Once u obtain the approval letter, you may bring your maid for Fomema. Fomema need the approval letter before they allow your maid to go for medical.

        Delete
    86. Dear CT, I am very confused with the change in rulings... I am getting an Indonesian maid via personal reference. Would need your help in understanding the procedures.

      1. Is VDR still applicable? Can maid still enter using VDR issued in Indonesia and instead of social visit pass?

      2. Is VDR is still applicable, does she still need JP upon arrival?

      3. Work permit is issued once clearance of medical check up?

      4. Are there any steps that I can do before the maids arrival?

      Hopes that your could lend you kind help.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. 1. I think you misunderstood between the two. VDR is needed to apply for a work permit BEFORE maid arrives in malaysia. If your maid did not apply for a VDR, she can use social visit pass to enter malaysia too before applying for a JP visa. By right, the correct way is to apply for VDR before coming into malaysia. Upon approval of VDR, maid enters malaysia and proceed to apply for work permit upon passing medical examination by Fomema. But most maids enter malaysia using social visit pass because VDR takes a long time to process (Social visit pass is for vacation purposes). Then upon arrival, they will apply for JP visa and work permit. The question is whether maids can still use social visit pass to enter before applying for JP visa. As for now, I think JP visa is still open.

        2. VDR will always be applicable. If maid has VDR, proceed to apply for work permit directly.

        3. Yes. Clearance by Fomema. May take up to a max of 10 days but usually result will be out within 3 to 4 days.

        4. It depends which method you are looking at. If u are using VDR method, you just have to wait. Once VDR is approved, work permit approval is easy as long as medical exam is cleared. If you are using social visit pass method, u can download all the relevant forms from the immigration website. Upon maid's arrival, you have 30 days to apply for JP visa and work permit, including medical exam. With social visit pass, maid is taking a risk of being stopped at exit (her country) and entry point (M'sia) especially with new passport. Also risk being rejected for JP visa approval.

        Delete
    87. hie. ur blog has been really helpful. i have a question. my uncle wants to cancel his maid's permit. wats d procedure? n if i want his maid n apply permit for her myself does d maid need to go back indonesifa first n re enter d country?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. To cancel maid's work permit, he must bring the maid's original passport and flight ticket/itinerary to the immigration dept and apply for check out memo. The whole process usually takes 30 min.

        The maid will have to go back to her home country for 3 months (cooling off period). This is the legal process stated by immigration. However, I have known many maids who came in using social visit pass instead of VDR, don't require cooling off period. Anyhow, she still need to exit malaysia upon issuance of check out memo before reapplying for a new work permit under your name.

        Delete
    88. oh ok..but she has left d country in 2010 n her permit has expired in 2011. now i want her to work for me.
      1. so can my uncle cancel her permit now?
      2. will there b any fine as her permit has expired?
      3. does d maid need to b present when cancelling her permit?
      she is in malaysia now wit her new passport n through social visit pass.
      thanks alot!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. 1. Your uncle doesn't have to cancel the permit because it has expired since 2011.
        2. I am not sure whether there will be a fine because once her permit expired and your uncle didn't do a check out memo for her, and therefore in the system, she is an illegal who still lives in malaysia. You have to check with immigration on this.
        3. There is no need for maid to be present for any application or cancelling of permit. Just her original passport will do.

        Delete
      2. But since you mentioned that she came in with her NEW passport, you might as well treat it as new application. I don't think immigration will know since she is using a new passport. Good luck.

        Delete
    89. hie. my family fren sent me a maid frm indonesia. she came wit social visit pass through johor. she stayed there wit her sis for 3 weeks n jus arrived to me. how can i extend her social vsit pass as its gona expire nex week. i need time b4 i can submit paperwork for permit.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. You can only extend her social visit pass with valid reasons, such as illness that requires medical, death of family members and etc. You also need to provide supporting documents such as doctor's letter.

        Or, you can submit all her paperwork BEFORE her social pass expires and apply for Special Pass with the reason, 'waiting for JP visa approval'.

        Delete
    90. Hi, I've reading yr blog and is useful. My question is: I've already got a maid in (via social visit pass) abt 3 weeks ago. I need to apply for a JP visa. Is there a time limit for me to apply for one? like 1 month or 3 months from arrival? I cant seem to contact Immigration Dept to find out!
      Thanks.

      ReplyDelete
    91. Yes. 1 month from the date of arrival. Since your maid has arrived 3 weeks ago, you need to submit all the documents quickly so that you can apply for an extension called Special Pass with the reason of 'waiting for JP visa approval'.

      ReplyDelete
    92. what is the cost of the special pass? n for how long?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. RM100 for each approved application, with 1 month extension. Usually you may apply for special pass not more than twice.

        Delete
    93. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      ReplyDelete
    94. Thank you for the informative blog.
      If I wish to apply JP Visa / Work Permit for my maid under both me & my husband joined income application, do we (me & hubby) have to be present at the immigration office to submit the form or just one of us will do?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Edy,

        Just one of u will do. Bring along all the required documents, proof of incomes by both of u and marriage cert too.

        Delete
    95. Hi CT,
      In case of maid runaway and fail in Fomema,i still need to pay for the Levi,plks?
      And how to proceed the maid replacement?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. For runaway maid while she has been working for u, u need to cancel her work permit after making a police report. U need to pay a bail on personal bond of RM750 for filipino or RM250 for indonesian. Then the runaway maid will be blacklisted.

        If she fails fomema, you still need to pay for the 1st and 2nd bank draft amount stated on my blog posting above. No 3rd bank draft payment is required. You need to send back your maid who failed fomema. To apply for maid replacement, u need:
        1. An application letter for maid replacement.
        2. Letter of approval of Visa Dengan Rujukan (VDR)
        3. Payment receipt of the first 2 bank drafts above.
        4. Letter of visa cancellation from philippines (if any).

        If u have an agent who brought u the maid, go back to him and ask him to do the replacement for u. Otherwise you need to source for a new maid before u can proceed with the maid replacement procedures above.

        Btw, if your maid ran away while working for u BEFORE she even passes her fomema, legally, you just have to proceed with the replacement procedure because she is not supposed to work for u before she get her fomema results. Pls check with the immigration dept on such case.

        Delete
      2. thank for your helps!

        Delete
    96. Hi CT, is it possible nowadays for me to bring the maid in by myself and not through agent. By social visit do you mean just as a tourist? I plan to get the maid in from Medan by flight and get the paperwork done here. Possible you think?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Helmi,

        For Indonesian maids, yes it is possible.
        And yes, you are right about social visit pass. Just make sure she has some pocket money (for holiday purposes), and your contact number just in case she is stopped by immigration. Usually the difficult part is the indonesia immigration exit point, where she will be asked many questions if she is carrying a new passport. Just make sure to tell her that when immigration asked, she is visiting a relative in malaysia and not to work! And stay calm. Otherwise she can be denied exit from indonesia if the immigration suspects that she is coming over here to work. Good luck.

        Delete
      2. Hi CT, many thanks for your reply. Do you think it will help for me, a Malaysian, to accompany her from Medan all the way to KL?

        Delete
      3. Yes, it's better. Just say she's your relative or etc when asked. Do not mention work, that's all.

        Delete
      4. Hi CT, thank you very much for the information in your blog and responses. Hope everything is good on your side in Indonesia.

        Delete
    97. Dear CT, can I know who can bcome the saksi in personal bond form? Commissioner of oaths or any person will do?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. That's up to u. Anyone can sign as saksi. But I left it blank and the officer filled it up for me during the application for my maid.

        Delete
    98. hie. ive checkd d immigration website about d payment once permit approved. it states levi 480. but u mentioned earlier d first bank draf is 515. so how? can make a bank draf from any bank? thanks alot!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. You might be right about the change in the charges for 1st bank draft. Maybe u can share the url/website address here (on the levy of RM480) so that other readers knows how much to pay in future?

        From my understanding, the JP visa application cost = RM500 + visa charges. That is the amount of 1st bank draft. The 3rd bank draft is for levy. So if u are talking about levy, then it should be the amount of 3rd bank draft. However the amount for 3rd bank draft depends on the nationality of your maid. In my posting above, RM516 is for filipino maid.

        For more info on cost of levy, refer to Table 1 of the url below:

        https://www.myeg.com.my/faq/maid-working-permit-renewal.html

        Same amount of levy applies to both new application and renewal of permit.

        Delete
      2. And yes.... u can buy bank draft from any bank.

        Delete
    99. Dear CT, once Fomema cleared.. We need to go to immigration to get the PL (KS) sticker right? Is this sticker serve same purpose as Multi Entry Visa/JP Visa? Or there is another stamp on the MEV/JP Visa?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. PLKS sticker is the same as Multi Entry Visa.

        Delete
      2. Thanks for the reply... Already got the sticker from Putrajaya... Btw, now no need to pay any money during Approval Letter collection, total payment of RM1,010 only be payable after the maid pass Fomema... Can pay in cash... Pls take note that JP Visa will be freeze commencing 1 Oct... Upon which VDR route will be the only option...

        Delete
      3. Oh thank you very much for the valuable updates! I'm sure this will benefit other readers.

        Delete
    100. can i ask you a question CT. i would like to appy for a maid permit by jp visa but my wife is not working. she is a housewife.Is it possible? I was told both husband and wife must be working.

      hope you can help.

      michael teh

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Michael,

        Yes I notice it is stated both husband and wife must be working but that's not a problem. I'm also a housewife and we have been applying for maids under my husband's name for years. Immigration will still approves it if your salary meets the minimum requirements stated based on the maid's country of origin. RM3k for indons and RM5k for filipinos.

        Delete
    101. HI,
      I have one who arrive from india yest on social visit pass. Can i apply for work permit here? without her living the country?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I am not familiar with maids from india. But I guess it should be the same process as indonesian maids. Sorry, I can't help much.

        Delete
    102. thank you for all the blessed and helpful support and adive on this dreadful scene that i was going thru, trying to hire a baeutician, met all kinds of agents and staffs but nothing worked out.

      my advice: for those who wana hire vietnamese maids or staff, u can apply without hassle and go thru any agent.

      call UN recruitment department, make an appointment to meet with the officer who will interview your background ( pls ask him what doc shall u bring).

      they will advice you on your next available time to interview your own candidates. apparently there are 200,000 refuges in UN malaysia, waiting to be posted.

      now i have no issues with agents trying to get me doh.... staffs walking in for jobs and later need cash for permit, later resign and go MIA...


      mcm mcm drama for 3 years operating spa..... all i here they are ill treated by their bosses.....


      gd luck...

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I didn't know we can get a helper through UN. It should save employers a lot of money without agents as middle person. Thanks for sharing!

        Delete
      2. Dear Anonymous, I called UN, but thy said no way we can get maid from them?

        Delete
    103. Replies
      1. JP visa is Journey Performed visa. An individual who is in malaysia under social visit pass but later would like to apply for work permit, will need to apply for a JP visa first. Of course it will be subject to various conditions for approval.

        Note: The usual way is for the individual to apply for approval in home country before coming into Malaysia.

        Delete
    104. Hi CT, your blog is so informative and answered most of my questions. I still have various doubts. At one time, I heard Indonesia who arrived in Malaysia with social pass has to get back to Indonesia to get certain document and come back again to Malaysia to process the working permit. Do you have any idea on this ?

      Do I still need Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI)document ?
      Do I still need VDR ?

      WONG

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Wong,

        Sorry for my late reply. Indonesian govt requires all indon maids to register and apply for approval thru TKI in indonesia BEFORE coming over to Malaysia or any other countries. Then the Malaysia embassy in Indonesia will come out with VDR before the indon maids board their flights into Malaysia. Once they arrive, they will get the visa sticker in their passports. That is the so called legal way.

        However, many did not follow the above mentioned because to obtain approval from TKI takes a long time. Moreover most indon maids live in rural area where it is very hard for them to travel to where TKI offices are located to register and apply for approval. So they flew into Malaysia first and apply for JP visa instead.

        If u have a maid who is already here in malaysia under social visit pass, then u need to apply for JP visa fast! Because from what I heard, JP visa will be frozen come 1st oct. Once JP visa is frozen, u need to send your maid back to Indonesia to go thru the normal process of VDR. It could takes up to 3 months or more for approval.

        Delete
      2. Oh by the way, there won't be any documents needed if your maid comes in thru social visit. All she needs is a passport and some money. Like I always say, your maid need to tell the immigration officer that she is here for holiday and NOT for work. Don't even mention JP visa. Once she is here, then u may proceed to apply for JP visa. Pls give her your phone number and brief address because the immigration might test her to see if she is really coming for holidays (and not work). Wang petunjuk (money for holiday) is very, very important as well.

        Delete
    105. Hi there,

      Is it possible to apply jp visa for 2nd maid? Or shall I just go for vdr instead? Thank you in advance.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes, it is possible. Same process as the above stated. However, I heard JP visa will be frozen come 1st oct. Pls check with immigration again to be sure.

        Delete
    106. Hi,

      Do you know the latest update for the JP Visa for Indonesia maid?

      thanks

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes, employers are required to go through registered agencies to hire indonesian maids starting 1st Oct 2013. It is stated in the malaysia immigration website at the top banner. No more self application of JP visa for indon maids.

        Delete
    107. hi, there is an indon maid who wants to work for me but she doesnt have any passport, what should I do to legalise her, is it possible to apply passport for her in indonesian embassy in kl? how much it cost?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Wow, she doesn't have any passport? Then how did she got into Malaysia in the first place? And how do you know she is an Indon without any documentation to verify her identity?

        These are the questions that are going to be asked by the Embassy if you bring her there to apply for a passport. Yes, Indon can apply for a passport in Indonesia embassy but you need some kind of documentations. This only means passport application. Work permit is a separate matter all together. If she has lost her passport, a police report is needed too.

        Starting 1st Oct 2013, employers must hire a registered agent here to process work permit for Indon maids. So, she need to go home, get the paperwork done, wait for approval from Tenaga Kerja Indonesia before coming over to Malaysia to work for u. After she comes over, you need to hire a registered agent here to obtain the work permit.

        Delete
    108. hi, we no longer can apply work permit for our indon maid by ourself? must go thru agency? how much the agency charge normally?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi,

        I have no idea how much they charges if you bring in the maid yourself. If you get an Indon maid through agent, charges are said to be between RM13k to RM14k. Starting 1st Oct 2013, all indon maids need a registered agent in Malaysia to process their work permits.

        Delete
    109. Hi, I allowed my Philippine maid went back for holiday after two years contract, but she has not returning after that.

      Is it a way i can apply for another maid without paying the compound of RM750? What will happen to me if i don't pay the compound?

      Thank you in advance

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Sorry, I don't quite get your statement. Your maid's contract of 2 years has ended and she went home. Did you renew her contract before she went home?

        If no, then she has the rights to go home. Nothing can be done.

        If yes, then it's considered as abscondment. If you report her to the immigration, then you definitely need to pay the bail of personal bond of RM750. She will be blacklisted and her work permit will be cancelled immediately and you are no longer responsible for her.

        However, if you do not want to pay the fine, and you still need to hire a new maid, it can also be done although it is not advisable to do that. Just don't report your maid's abscondment and u don't have to pay the fine. You can still hire a new maid as your 2nd maid on paper. But please know that to hire a 2nd maid, u need a very good reason because the requirements set by immigration is much higher. In addition, you will still be responsible for your maid who did not return from her holiday which I think it is pretty risky.

        Delete
    110. Hi CT. Can you please explain how does the calling visa procedure works to get my maid in to KLIA once the calling visa it's approved by the immigration? I have employe a Vietnamese maid by doing it directly by myself through immigration. And also don't mind to explain how to pay the "Bond Fee" for RM1,500 to the immigration? Cash, cheque or bank draft?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Boon Liong,

        Think of calling visa as an approval given to a maid to enter malaysia for employment. Calling visa is needed for her to exit her home country and enter malaysia smoothly. Without a calling visa, she can still enter malaysia but as a tourist (30 days social visit pass). With calling visa, she is ready to apply for work permit in malaysia once she arrives, but approval of the work permit is subject to her passing the medical screening with Fomema.

        You don't have to pay the bond until and unless your maid runs away or did not return from her holidays. It's just a penalty if the above happens.

        Delete
      2. Hi CT. Thank you very much from your reply. So once my calling visa is approved how does the calling visa works to bring her into Malaysia as you said that she is enable to exit her country once her calling visa is ready. Because the immigration police told me when the calling visa is ready they only ask me to send the calling visa to my maid and just ask her to go to her country embassy to chop and then she can come straight to Malaysia to do her Fomema test and other stuff within 1 month before her official permit sticker is out. For now the only problem I am still quite not sure what the immigration police had told me about the calling visa procedure, they only told me I have to send the calling visa to my maid and my maid have to go to her country embassy to chop sign. For this calling visa part I don't really understand because the immigration never really give explain a full details of calling visa procedures.

        Delete
      3. Hi Boon Liong,

        Calling visa is just a paper documentation. Yes, the immigration officer is right. You have to send the calling visa to her and she will need to get it stamped at the embassy (for approval by the Vietnam side). Then she just has to bring it with her (it's just a letter/paper document that states approval for her to work in Malaysia) when she comes over to Malaysia. Remind her NOT to lose it since she need to present it to both immigrations (Vietnam & Malaysia) during her trip to Malaysia. That's all about calling visa.

        After she arrives in Malaysia, she has 1 month to apply for her work permit, including Fomema. Bear in mind that Fomema result will take max 10 working days to be released so time your work permit application properly.

        Delete
      4. Hi CT. Is there any website that I am able to check my maid calling visa whether is out or haven't? If has such website to check the calling visa status then it will be much convenient without calling the immigration for thousands over times. Also I wanna ask, I got my (Surat Akuan Penerimaan) form at 3rd July, and the Surat Akuan Penerimaan wrote 14 days of working days to finish my maid calling visa. Is that really true that exact 14 days the calling visa will be out? Or is just a saying for 14 days of working days in the Surat Akuan Penerimaan?

        Delete
      5. Hi Boon Liong,

        Unfortunately, there isn't any website for u to check the status. Yes, the calling visa status will be out by 14 days. Usually on the last 2 days, that is 16th or 17th july.

        Delete
    111. Dear CT,

      Thanks for your blog. It has been really helpful.I am getting an Indon maid through an Indon agent directly.

      May I clarify?

      1) Is it true that we longer can apply work permit for our indon maid by ourselves in Malaysia? must go thru agency?
      2) If we are still able to apply the working permit ourselves, do we need to bring the maid to the immigration or we can just hand in all the documents needed without her presence?

      Thanks
      From celine (celine_kerwoon@yahoo.com)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Celine,

        I'm not very sure about that. Officially, you need an agent to get your maid's work permit. But I've also heard that you can process it yourself through putrajaya. If employer is allowed to apply the permit, your maid need to be in Malaysia (you'll need original passport) but she doesn't need to be present at the immigration when you submit the documents.

        Delete
    112. Hi ! I am a first timer here trying to hire a Vietnamese. Been going through above more than twice but am not sure today still apply same process via Social Pass? How do I find out what is reasonable wage ? How many years in maximum can I sign them up ? On Social Pass, is medical done at Vietnam still required? Thanks to advice.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Mary,

        Sorry for my late reply. You can't bring in maids using social visit pass anymore starting last year. In another words, all maids need agents to bring them in.

        Legally, all maids ahould be paid 400usd a month. But this isn't the practice in malaysia. Work permit is 1 year but standard employment contract is 2 years. This means employer need to renew maid's contract every 12 months.

        Delete
      2. Sorry, correction on my reply above.

        *Employer need to renew maid's work permit every 12 months although contract is 2 years.

        Delete
    113. CT need your help/advice,

      I got my maid via agent. For 2 years I did not get permit and passport. They've been giving all sorts of excuses and finally only when I threaten them with police report, they returned my maid's passport and letter of approval for "PERMOHONAN PAS LAWATAN (KERJA SEMENTARA PEMBANTU RUMAH)" few weeks ago. However the date on the letter was 2013 and has expired on 04/12/2013.

      My agent does not answer my calls. So I went to Shah Alam immigration, they ask to go Putrajaya as maid has overstayed. Went to Putrajaya they said must pay compound RM2100 and send maid home or go to Wangsa Maju pay RM400 to send her back but my maid will be blacklisted for 5 years.

      My contract with maid ends on Oct 2014, like it or not, I need to send her home. But we like her and my daughter is fond of her, and I want to continue with her. My maid agreed but wants to go home for about 1 month and come back to us by Dec. Any advice or do you know any good agent that can help me?

      Many many thanks!
      Navij

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Navij,

        Can u drop me an email at christinetmc@gmail.com? I'll pass u the agent's contact.

        Delete
    114. Hi...Can I know for applying the Indonesian maid how much is the Personal Bond that I need to fill in the form? Is it any amount? TQ.
      Evelyn

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Personal bond is RM250 for indonesian maid.

        Delete
    115. Hi CT

      Your blog does help. I have a maid who is 50 years old who is first time coming to Malaysia to work. She has been here on visit as her daughter is studying here. I checked the age limit is 45 years old. Is there anyway I can apply for her to work here?

      Kindly advise.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Pat,

        No, max age for new application is strictly 45 years old. Nothing can be done in her case.

        Delete
    116. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      ReplyDelete