KUALA LUMPUR – Foreign domestic workers with valid visas – but who are currently stuck at their respective home countries due to Malaysia’s closed borders – can return to work here, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In a press conference today, the senior minister said the government took note of the appeal by various quarters to allow foreign maids to be brought into the country.
“As of now, we only agree to allow maids with visas and complete travel documents to enter – specifically, these are those who went back to their respective countries for a holiday but who are unable to return here.”
He said those planning to re-enter Malaysia have to apply through the Immigration’s MyTravelPass system and following approval from the department.
“They will have to undergo Covid-19 swab tests and observe mandatory quarantine. The costs will be borne by their employers.”
He added that the government agreed to allow the processing of new foreign maids’ applications, although they will only be allowed entry after the country’s international borders are reopened to foreigners.
He said the decision to allow the processing was made considering it takes up to four months for an application to be approved.
“I understand that it takes some time to process the visas and work permits. So, we will allow the application process to take place.”
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the cap on the number of staff permitted at workplaces has been lifted, with the private sector now allowed to operate at full capacity, as opposed to only having 30% of management staff physically present.
As for the public sector, the senior minister said a circular on the matter will be released soon.
“The justification for this is that the work from home order issued previously is hard to be implemented in the manufacturing industry as they cannot operate remotely.
“The operation of the manufacturing sector also involves a complex process which involves the management and supervisors. Finally, our decision today will also give the opportunity to companies to resume full capacity.” – The Vibes, March 30, 2021
