PUTRAJAYA – Foreign worker applications for three sub-sectors – barbershops, textile and goldsmith – will be opened from October 10, said Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.
“Applications will be limited to a 7,500 quota allocated for the three sub-sectors.
“This includes existing foreign workers of about 5,000 already employed in the three sub-sectors, based on Immigration Department records,” he told a press conference, here, today.
Employers registered with Indian commerce associations can make the applications.
For existing workers, Sivakumar said employers can apply for the renewal of temporary work visit passes.
Meanwhile, the ministry in a statement outlined the requirements for hiring foreign workers for barber, goldsmith and textile shops.
It said the number of foreign workers would be based on the size of the particular goldsmith or textile shop.
The number of foreign workers (in goldsmith and textile shops) should be no more than 15% of the number of local workers for big shops (1,000sq m to 5,000sq m), three to four workers for medium-sized shops (200sq m to 999sq m), and two workers for small shops (199sq m and smaller).
“As for barber shops, the owner must possess a Malaysian Skills Certificate from the government.
“The number of foreign workers is based on the number of barber chairs in the shop,” read the statement.
The ministry also urged the sub-sectors to prioritise local workers to reduce dependency on foreigners.
“All employers must also comply with labour laws on accommodation, minimum wages and social security contributions,” it added. – The Vibes, October 2, 2023
