From 1 January 2019, employers who hire foreign workers including expatriates are required to register their employees with Social Security Organization (SOCSO)

From 1 January 2019, employers who hire foreign workers including expatriates are required to register their employees with Social Security Organization (SOCSO) and contribute to the Employment injury Scheme (EiS) under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1S69 (Act 4). This requirement however excludes employers who hire domestic servants.

The EiS provides protection to employees against accidents or occupational diseases arising out of and in the course of their employment. Other benefits under the EiS include Medical Benefit, Temporary Disablement Benefit, Permanent Disablement Benefit, Constant-Attendance Allowance, Dependants' Benefit and Rehabilitation, as well as repatriation cost Including funeral. The rate of contribution is 1.25% of the insured monthly wages and to be paid by the employer. Ail employers, whether principal employers or immediate employers, are required to register and contribute for their foreign workers starting from 1 January 2019.

Employers can register their foreign workers online via the online Automated SOCSO Integrated System (ASSIST) portal or by completing the Foreign Worker Registration Form and submit it to the nearest SOCSO office.

Existing foreign workers in Malaysia who have valid Foreign Workers Compensation Scheme (FWCS) are required to be registered with SOCSO by their employers a day after the expiration of FWCS, subject to the end of the cooling-off period for FWCS on 31 December 2019. Beginning from 1 January 2020, all employers must register with SOCSO although their foreign workers are still covered under FWCS,

For foreign workers entering Malaysia on or after 1 January 2019, they have to register with SOCSO once they are validated by the Immigration Department of Malaysia at any gazette port of entry.

For more information on the EiS, employers can contact 1-300-22-8000 or visit SOCSO’s website at www.perkeso.qov.mv or walk in to the nearest SOCSO office.