Quick answer: An FKW Projection Request is the request a company files through MDEC's eXpats system for the number of foreign knowledge workers it may hire. MDEC states that a company seeking new or additional FKW headcount must file it with all mandatory documents, MDEC reviews it against the revised policy, and the FKW Approval Committee decides. Only approved projection headcount allows the company to file individual FKW applications. MDEC gives about 14 working days for this step.
- The projection comes before individual applications and sets the headcount you may use.
- MDEC's stated time is about 14 working days.
- The FKW Approval Committee decides, not an automatic system.
- MDEC's June 2026 announcement gives 3 June 2026 in its text and 1 June 2026 in its title for the new process, so confirm the date.
- MDEC's pages reviewed give no headcount limits or quotas.
What a Projection Request Is
Hiring a foreign IT professional through MDEC happens in two layers. First the company asks for headcount, which is the projection. Then it files an application for each named person. The projection is filed in the eXpats system with supporting documents, and MDEC's process page lists four steps: submission, verification, decision by the Approval Committee, and completion, after which the company may use the approved quota and begin submitting FKW applications.
The projection is a company-level approval. It does not approve any individual, and it does not replace the individual FKW application, the JTKSM section 60K approval or the MyFutureJobs step.
The Four Steps and What Each Takes
| Step | What happens | Stated time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Submission | Company submits the FKW Projection application in the Expats System with supporting documents | Part of the 14 working days |
| 2. Verification | MDEC checks that the details match the documents and that they are satisfactory | Part of the 14 working days |
| 3. Decision | The Approval Committee approves or rejects | Part of the 14 working days |
| 4. Completion | Company may use the approved quotas and start individual FKW applications | About 14 working days in total |
What Changed in June 2026
MDEC's announcement on the FKW declaration and headcount sets out a new process effective in June 2026. It says that companies requesting new or additional FKW headcount must submit an FKW Projection Request in eXpats, that MDEC reviews it against the revised policy, and that the FKW Approval Committee decides and the outcome is sent through the system.
The announcement gives 3 June 2026 as the effective date in its text, while its title says 1 June 2026. The title date is tied to the additional requirements for individual applications. Treat the dates as unconfirmed until MDEC clarifies, and ask the Expats Service Centre if your filing falls close to the line.
- Succession plan: companies are encouraged to submit succession plan information now, ahead of the annual declaration that takes effect on 1 January 2027.
- GBS sector proof: non-MD companies must provide an official letter or other document showing they operate in the Global Business Services sector, such as membership of GBS Malaysia or the Contact Centre Association of Malaysia.
- Language: any native or near-native language requirement for a role must be clearly justified.
- Education certificates: copies must be certified by a Malaysian mission, the foreign embassy in Malaysia, or a Commissioner for Oaths.
What to Prepare
MDEC publishes a FKW Projection / Headcount Request Checklist and an FKW Projection Template 2026 (spreadsheet) in its document library. Use the current versions, because incomplete submissions may not be processed and missing requirements can delay the decision.
Before you file, settle the roles you intend to fill, whether each one fits the FKW definition, the category each salary falls into, and your JTKSM position. MDEC's 2023 notices state that projection submissions without JTKSM approval were put on hold from 15 March 2023. Today the section 60K application runs through Xpats Gateway since 1 July 2025 and is required for new Employment Pass applications, so obtain it first.
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Example: Planning a Projection
Example. A Malaysia Digital company plans to add two backend developers and one data engineer this year, all on monthly basic salaries above RM10,000. Its team first confirms each role fits the FKW definition, files the section 60K application, advertises on MyFutureJobs, then files one projection covering the planned headcount with the checklist documents. Only after approval does it file three individual applications. This is an illustration of the sequence, not a prediction of the Committee's decision.
What the Sources Do Not Say
MDEC's announcement gives no headcount limits, quotas or per-company figures, and sets no submission deadline. The 2024 announcements on the projection process describe an earlier approach, so rely on the 2026 announcement for the current process. If a competitor or an agent quotes you a fixed number of hires per company, ask for the MDEC source.
Common Mistakes
Filing individual applications before the projection is approved
MDEC states that only approved projection headcount allows individual applications.
Using an old checklist
MDEC's June 2026 checklists are version 3, with file names dated 28 May 2026 for the Employment Pass, and a separate projection checklist.
Skipping justification for language requirements
A native or near-native language requirement must be clearly justified.
Treating the Committee as automatic
The 2026 announcement says the FKW Approval Committee decides.
How We Help
What we handle for you
Before you apply
- Check which MDEC route your company fits, MD status or non-MD ICT, and whether the post, salary and category match.
- Prepare the JTKSM, MyFutureJobs and supporting documents with your team and review them against MDEC's checklist.
Application
- Prepare the FKW projection and pass application for your company's authorised person to submit, and help you respond to MDEC and Immigration queries.
- MDEC states that companies are discouraged from nominating a third-party agent as the authorised person, so the submission stays under your own account.
Why companies choose us
End-to-end under one roof
- We handle company incorporation, Malaysia Digital status, accounting and payroll as well as expatriate pass preparation, so your structure, payroll and hiring plan stay aligned.
- The company is set up correctly from day one.
We check before you invest
- We confirm eligibility, including whether you can hire the expatriates you need, before a foreign investor decides to incorporate in Malaysia.
- Neutral Consulting PLT is a Kuala Lumpur firm led by a Managing Partner who is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
What is an FKW Projection Request?
It is the request through the eXpats system for the number of foreign knowledge workers a company may hire. Under MDEC's June 2026 announcement, a company seeking new or additional FKW headcount files the request with all mandatory documents, MDEC reviews it, and the FKW Approval Committee decides. Only approved projection headcount allows the company to file individual FKW applications.
How long does an Employment Pass application through MDEC take?
MDEC states about 14 working days for an FKW Projection Request, about 7 working days for an individual FKW application, and 10 working days for the JTKSM section 60K approval that comes first. Endorsement takes 3 working days for an applicant already in Malaysia, and immediate endorsement at ESC KLIA Terminal 1 for an applicant arriving from abroad. A first-time MD company subscription takes about 2 working days, and a non-MD registration about 30 working days. These are stated service times for complete submissions, not guarantees.
Which companies can apply through MDEC?
MDEC's Expats Service Centre serves companies with Malaysia Digital (MD) status, or MSC Malaysia status, that are in operation and comply with the conditions of that status. It also serves ICT companies without MD status that are fully operational and use ICT as their core business, subject to a minimum paid-up capital, a physical office and an assessment by MDEC. Companies in non-qualifying activities, such as trading, staffing and staff augmentation, do not qualify.
Do we need a projection for every hire?
MDEC states that companies requesting new or additional FKW headcount must submit a projection request, and that only approved projection headcount allows individual applications. A hire within headcount that is already approved does not need a new request. The pages reviewed do not say how unused headcount is carried over.
Who decides the projection?
MDEC's June 2026 announcement says the FKW Approval Committee decides on projection requests and notifies companies through the system. MDEC's process page describes the decision step as approval or rejection by the Approval Committee.
Is the JTKSM approval letter needed for the projection?
MDEC's 2023 reminder states that projection submissions without the JTKSM approval letter were put on hold from 15 March 2023. Xpats Gateway now handles section 60K and requires it for new applications, which have gone through Xpats Gateway since 1 July 2025. Check the current MDEC checklist for what must accompany the projection.
What is the effective date of the new process?
MDEC's announcement gives 3 June 2026 for new or additional headcount requests in its text and 1 June 2026 in its title for the additional individual-application requirements. Ask the Expats Service Centre to confirm the date that applies to your filing.
What document does MDEC provide for the projection?
MDEC lists an FKW Projection / Headcount Request Checklist and an FKW Projection Template 2026 in spreadsheet form. Download them from MDEC's document library.
What if the projection is rejected?
The pages reviewed describe approval or rejection by the Committee but give no appeal procedure. Ask the Expats Service Centre about options and correct the issue before you file again.
Does an approved projection guarantee each individual application?
No. The projection allows the company to file individual applications. MDEC and Immigration still jointly approve or reject each individual application, and the section 60K and MyFutureJobs requirements apply.
Is a succession plan required in the projection?
MDEC encourages it now and says the annual declaration takes effect on 1 January 2027. The announcement does not make it mandatory for individual applications from June 2026.
Where do we file it?
In the eXpats system, with the company login registered with MDEC. Individual Employment Pass applications go through Xpats Gateway using the same login.
Sources
Official sources
- MDEC, FKW declaration, headcount and additional requirements (June 2026)
- MDEC, Application process for MD companies
- MDEC, Application process for non-MD companies
- MDEC, Reminder on requirement by Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM), 6 March 2023
- Immigration Department (ESD), Xpats Gateway FAQ
- MDEC, Expats Service Centre: services and eligibility
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with MDEC, the Immigration Department (ESD) and MIDA, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
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