New Xpats Gateway integration in Malaysia aims to speed up expat work pass approvals

With this integration, KESUMA said JTKSM and MYFutureJobs requirements will  now be processed within 10 working days each.

Malaysia has taken a significant step towards simplifying the hiring process for expatriates with the integration of MYFutureJobs and ePPAx into the Xpats Gateway platform. The update, which went live on 1 July 2025, allows employers to meet hiring requirements more efficiently under a single digital system.

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources shared the announcement, positioning the integration as part of the government's broader efforts to raise productivity, improve regulatory clarity, and make it easier to do business in the country.

"Xpats Gateway brings together the core departments and agencies under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to deliver a more efficient and business-friendly system," said Minister Sim.

He commended TalentCorp for developing and delivering the platform internally, adding that this approach ensures sensitive data remains secure within Malaysia’s public sector systems.

Launched in June 2023 by TalentCorp, Xpats Gateway serves as a single-window platform that connects 26 regulatory and approving agencies involved in expatriate applications. With the recent integration, employers can now complete essential steps such as obtaining MYFutureJobs acknowledgement letters from PERKESO and fulfilling Employment Act requirements under JTKSM, directly through the platform.

YBhg. Dato’ Zakaria bin Shaaban, Director-General of the Immigration Department, expressed support for the integration, stating that it is expected to shorten processing times and improve transparency in the issuance of Expatriate Employment Passes. He noted that this reflects a whole-of-government approach aimed at boosting investor confidence, maintaining national security, and enhancing public service delivery.

According to KESUMA, the integration is currently delivering several key improvements for employers:

• Reduced redundancy: ESD-registered companies can streamline processes with up to 70% less repeated data entry.
• Shorter approval timelines: JTKSM and MYFutureJobs requirements are now processed within 10 working days each.
• Concurrent submissions: Employers can submit applications for both requirements at the same time, improving overall efficiency.
• Greater transparency and timeliness: The Client Charter outlines expected processing durations, offering more predictability.
• Fraud prevention: All data and documents are sourced directly from official systems such as the Companies Commission of Malaysia, JTKSM, and PERKESO, helping to minimise fraudulent submissions.

The initiative was delivered through close collaboration between Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), and TalentCorp under KESUMA.

Malaysia’s move toward a more integrated and digital workforce approval process is already gaining international recognition. The country rose 11 spots in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, with improvements in business efficiency and digital readiness cited as key drivers. The Xpats Gateway is also seen as a pillar of the MADANI Economy framework, which targets Malaysia’s entry into the top 12 global economies by 2033.

ALSO READ: Malaysia climbs 11 spots in World Competitiveness Ranking, placing 23rd in 2025

Lead image / Ministry of Human Resources