Sarawak Maid / Domestic Helper 2026/2027: The Complete HAVEN Online Application Guide
Quick answer: Since 16 July 2026, ALL maid (foreign domestic helper) applications in Sarawak — including the Approval Letter and the Labour Licence — must be filed and processed online through the HAVEN module of the state's GENESIS platform. Counter-based paper submission is gone. Household eligibility is assessed by Sarawak itself, and the HAVEN platform currently charges employers nothing.
Updated 2026-10-30. Official source: GENESIS portal (HAVEN mandate announcement and module list, verified 2026-10-30); clause-level details also reference a licensed agency's public notes (migratesafe.org, marked as third-party).
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Platform | HAVEN = Household and Assistance Vetting & Employment Network (one of four GENESIS modules) |
| Mandatory since | 16 July 2026 — all maid applications (Approval Letter + Labour Licence) go through HAVEN |
| Who it applies to | Households in Sarawak employing a foreign domestic helper (FDH) |
| Helper criteria | Aged 21–45; passport valid at least 1 year; one helper per application |
| Source countries | Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Platform fee | Currently free for employers (no household fee set; the corporate side of the same programme charges RM1,854/worker — third-party reference) |
| Process stages | Approval Letter → Labour Licence → eVDR → SAFHIS medical screening → PLKS → Non-Sarawakian Identity Card — six stages, one system |
| Key catch | A Peninsular Malaysia approval does NOT carry over — Sarawak runs its own immigration system and assesses households itself |
Who This Guide Is For
Employers (households): you want to hire a foreign maid in Sarawak (Miri, Kuching, Sibu, etc.) and need to know what is now online-only, what to prepare, and roughly how long it takes.
Helper applicants: you meet the age and nationality criteria and want to know which steps your employer handles and which documents you need.
The Process: Six Steps, One System
- Register a GENESIS account — employer household account at genesis.sarawak.gov.my.
- Apply for the household labour quota — Sarawak assesses eligibility itself; Peninsular approvals don't count.
- Submit the application in HAVEN — one helper per application, household and helper details included.
- Receive the Approval Letter and Labour Licence — both are issued inside HAVEN.
- eVDR (entry visa reference) — the helper uses this to enter.
- After arrival: SAFHIS medical screening, PLKS, Non-Sarawakian Identity Card — book the medical in SAFHIS; the final two steps happen after entry.
Documents Checklist
Employer side (the authoritative list lives inside HAVEN; the official item-by-item list is behind the login):
- Employer MyKad (IC)
- Proof of household address
- Proof of income or employment
- Marital-status documents (if applicable)
Helper side:
- Passport (valid ≥1 year)
- Age proof (21–45)
- Source-country medical and good-conduct documents (per country requirements)
- SAFHIS-approved clinic medical report (post-arrival step)
⚠️ No official item-by-item list is public — the above follows the official portal structure; defer to the checklist inside the HAVEN platform.
Indonesian vs Filipino Helper: Reference Comparison
| Source | Reference monthly salary | Reference processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesian helper | RM1,500/month | 10–12 weeks |
| Filipino helper | RM1,800/month | 12–14 weeks |
⚠️ Source note: salary and timeline figures come from a third-party licensed agency (migratesafe.org), not official pricing. Confirm with your agency and the latest official publications.
Common Problems
I have a Peninsular Malaysia approval — can I use it in Sarawak? No. Sarawak runs its own immigration system, assesses household eligibility itself, and Peninsular approvals don't carry over. You must go through HAVEN.
Does HAVEN cost anything? The platform is currently free for employers. No household fee has been set; the corporate side of the same programme charges RM1,854/worker (third-party reference), so a household fee later wouldn't be a surprise. Check the latest official publication.
Can the maid work in a shop or run a business in Sarawak? No. A domestic helper pass covers household work only — the same "no work outside the home" logic as condition 8101. Ignore anyone offering otherwise.
Can I still file at the counter? No. Since 16 July 2026 every maid application — approval letter and labour licence included — must go through HAVEN online.
Should I use an agency or apply myself? HAVEN itself is free and online, which makes DIY more feasible than before; but the quota assessment, source-country documents and medical booking go faster with help. Judge for yourself.
FAQ
When did HAVEN launch? Mandatory from 16 July 2026, after a pilot that began around July 2025.
How many helpers can one household apply for at a time? One helper per application, per the official portal.
What are the helper's age limits? 21 to 45 years old, with a passport valid for at least one more year.
Is SOCSO handled in Sarawak? SOCSO stays federal — register through PERKESO separately from HAVEN; renewal checks on it.
Can I relocate a helper from Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan? That's a relocation case, handled differently from a new application — details via the HAVEN platform and official announcements.
Want Someone to Walk You Through It?
WhatsApp our advisor directly, tell us your household situation and the helper's source country, and we'll tell you what to prepare next and roughly how long it takes — no outcome promises, just a workable path.
Related Guides
- Sarawak Work Permit 2026/2027: Requirements, Documents & Process (companies hiring expatriates or staff)
- SANSOLS Sarawak: Foreign Worker Application Guide (general & skilled workers)
