Malaysia will shorten the process of hiring foreign workers by half once the quota freeze is lifted. Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said currently the whole hiring process takes up to 29 months and 13 days, beginning with the quota application. He said the levy payment and issuance of temporary of working permits that takes up to 30 days would be cut to 15 days. He announced this after a joint meeting between his Ministry and the Ministry of Human Resources in Putrajaya.
Malaysia froze the quota for foreign workers recruitment from March 2023 as the approvals given had met the labour demand. However, the recruitment for three sub-sectors, involving barbershop, textiles and goldsmiths was still allowed until the quota reached 7,500.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin however, added that there was no discussions to lift the ban soon. He also said that the government would revisit all MOUs on foreign workers with 15 source countries. The review would covers areas such as costs, contract conditions, health and among others.
