ESD Malaysia to open portal for 2026 expatriate projection submissions on 15 December 2025
Summary
The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) will open its online portal on 15 December 2025 for companies to submit their Projection of Expatriates for 2026. Registered companies may apply for projections covering both Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) roles. Any unused projections from 2025 must be used before the year ends and will not be carried forward into 2026.
Key Points
- ESD portal opens 15 December 2025 for 2026 expatriate projection submissions.
- Projections can be submitted for Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) roles.
- Unused 2025 projections will not be carried forward to 2026 — use them before year-end.
- Submission steps: log into ESD account → select “Applications” → “Projection” under settings → choose projection year → “New projection”.
- Justification is required, plus the number of local staff and foreign workers; all required fields must be completed.
- Employers must update their e-SSM information before submitting requests.
- Companies must select the correct projection year and appropriate position group (top management, middle management, technical expert, entry level).
Content summary
ESD’s announcement instructs companies registered on its portal to submit expatriate projections for 2026 from 15 December 2025. The projection applies only to the designated year; remaining allowances from 2025 cannot be transferred. The portal workflow requires companies to provide justification and personnel numbers, and to ensure their e-SSM details are current. Position groups must be selected accurately when creating a new projection.
Context and relevance
This update is important for HR, mobility and compliance teams that manage foreign hires in Malaysia. The projection process affects workforce planning and visa allocation for the coming year. Missing the submission window or failing to use 2025 projections before year-end could disrupt hiring plans and lead to shortages in expatriate headcount for critical roles.
Why should I read this
Quick and blunt: if your organisation hires or plans to hire expatriates in Malaysia, this directly affects your ability to secure EP or PVP slots next year. The portal opens 15 December — update your e-SSM, prepare headcount and justifications now, and don’t expect any 2025 leftovers to magically appear in 2026.
