Recruiting foreign workers from India
India is an approved source country for Malaysian employers, coordinated through India's eMigrate portal and the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE) under the Ministry of External Affairs. Unlike broader-eligibility source countries, Indian workers are approved for a specific, narrower set of roles — not the full range of sectors.
Where Indian workers can be placed
India carries specific role-level restrictions rather than blanket sector approval — eligibility is limited to the roles below.
Services — Restaurant Cooks
Approved specifically for restaurant cook roles within the Services sector.
Construction — High-Tension Cable Work
Approved specifically for high-tension cable installation and related electrical work.
Agriculture
Farming, cultivation, and related agricultural roles.
Plantation
Palm oil, rubber, and other plantation crop roles.
Not Eligible: Manufacturing
Indian workers are not currently permitted in the Manufacturing sector under MOHR/JTKSM guidelines. Confirm your role falls within the four approved categories above before submitting an eQuota application — misclassified applications risk delay or rejection. Verify current sector eligibility as part of your eQuota application.
How sourcing from India works
eMigrate & PGE Coordination
Recruitment coordinated through India's Ministry of External Affairs eMigrate portal and the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE), as required for Emigration Check Required (ECR) category workers travelling to Malaysia.
Zero Recruitment Fees
Employer Pays Principle enforced throughout the sourcing process.
Role-Specific Verification
Trade and experience verification matched to the approved role — e.g. confirmed culinary experience for restaurant cook placements, or verified certification for high-tension cable work.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Cultural and workplace safety briefing completed before travel to Malaysia.
Other top source countries
Pakistan
Recruitment process, Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment coordination, and broad sector eligibility under JTKSM approval.
View guide →Recruit Indian workers the right way
Role-accurate sourcing from day one — matched to the specific categories India is approved for.