Kuala Lumpur: The government has decided to allow foreign workers to change employers across different sectors of employment, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced today. This significant policy shift was confirmed during the 13th joint committee meeting on the management of foreign workers, co-chaired by Saifuddin and Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this decision marks a departure from the previous rule that only allowed foreign workers to switch employers within the same sector. The former policy was contingent on specific conditions such as company restructuring, closure, expansion, or approval by a committee overseen by the Department of Labour. Saifuddin emphasized that the new policy will benefit the government, employers, and foreign workers.
He also noted that this policy change aligns with best practices advocated by international labour organizations and has been adopted by other developed countries. Additionally, the meeting agreed on a proposal by the Immigration Department to enhance the management of the Check Out Memo (COM) for foreign workers. Employers will now be required to be present at international exit points for departure registration, mirroring their responsibilities during entry.
Saifuddin warned that non-compliance with these requirements could result in restrictions on new quota applications and other immigration-related sanctions. He further urged all parties to adhere to the new regulations and mentioned that the government would enforce strict actions against any violations.
The meeting lasted two hours and began at 3 pm, with attendees including Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. In a Facebook post, Mohamad Sabu highlighted the importance of streamlining the management of foreign workers, especially in vital economic sectors like agriculture and plantations, to ensure food production stability.
He reiterated the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s commitment to collaborating with other ministries to create policies prioritizing national interests and public well-being. He underscored the critical need to address food security in a serious and systematic manner.
Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also contributed insights, stating that his ministry, through the Construction Industry Development Board and Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad, plays a crucial role in managing foreign workers in the construction sector. He viewed the foreign labour dilemma not as a burden but as an opportunity for strategic innovation.
In line with these aspirations, the meeting presented four consideration papers and two information papers related to the management and planning of foreign worker quotas and recruitment, all tailored to meet national needs.