PUTRAJAYA – The government has agreed to extend the labour recalibration programme to employers in some services sub-sectors, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said the sub-sectors involved are restaurants; cargo; wholesale and retail; and, cleaning and washing.
The agreement was reached at a joint committee meeting on the management of foreign workers, co-chaired by Hamzah and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, here today.
“This decision was made to help the government revive the country’s economy immediately, and to prevent critical sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, plantations and services, from suffering huge losses due to labour shortages,” Hamzah told a press conference after the meeting.
The labour recalibration programme was launched by the government last November, aimed at regularising the foreign workforce without the involvement of third parties.
Previously, only employers in 3D – dangerous, difficult and dirty – sectors were allowed to re-employ illegal immigrants from 15 source countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Hamzah said eligibility for participation in the programme is also extended to illegals who registered for the rehiring programme, as well as the comprehensive settlement programme for illegal immigrants, known as the 6P programme.
“This includes those who did not complete the application process and did not receive a temporary employment visit pass through these programmes.
“Participation is also extended to illegal immigrants who absconded from their employers but were not reported by these employers, and those who have valid travel documents.”
Hamzah said the meeting agreed to the involvement of bodies licensed under the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981 to help expedite the labour recalibration programme’s implementation.
“However, employers still need to come to the Immigration Department for the necessary processes, such as biometrics.”
He said the meeting also decided to grant a moratorium to foreigners working on local fishing vessels, on obtaining the temporary employment visit pass until December 31. – Bernama, April 22, 2021
