According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, there are over 600,000 undocumented foreign workers who are not participating in the Manpower Recalibration Programme (PRTK) and are encouraged to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Programme, which begins on March 1. They have until the end of the year to return to their home countries without facing legal consequences, only being fined for certain offenses under the Immigration Act.
During a press conference in Putrajaya, Saifuddin announced that as of noon on Friday, a total of 848 undocumented immigrants have registered to join the Migrant Repatriation Programme. He also emphasized the importance of foreign nationals going directly to Immigration offices to register and not use the services of agents.
The recalibration programme is aimed at providing a solution for foreigners who have overstayed or lack valid permits. The Migrant Repatriation Programme, on the other hand, is designed to allow undocumented foreign workers to voluntarily return to their home countries by the end of the year.
Saifuddin also revealed that foreign workers who have not been issued a Visa with Reference (VDR) by March 31 will have their quota cancelled. Employers will be refunded the levy payments for that quota. The final date for new formal sector foreign workers with VDR is May 31, with no new entries allowed starting from June 1.
Employers are encouraged to expedite the entry of foreign workers for the PRTK programme, ensuring compliance with labor laws and conditions. The government has also implemented a more employer-friendly levy refund policy effective immediately, including a reduction in processing time for levy refunds from 53 to 28 days for applications at the approval level of the Immigration director-general.
Furthermore, the application period at the approval level of the Home Ministry secretary-general has been reduced from 77 days to 38 days. Employers can now claim a refund of the levy payment for foreign workers after six months of the Conditional Approval Letter being effective, with the total balance of the foreign worker quota surrendered to the government.
It is important for employers and foreign workers to be aware of these changes and comply with the regulations laid out by the government. Saifuddin emphasized the need for a smooth process in facilitating the return of undocumented foreign workers and ensuring that the levy refund policy is implemented effectively.
The government is taking steps to address the issue of undocumented foreign workers and provide a solution through initiatives like the Migrant Repatriation Programme. With clear guidelines in place, both employers and foreign workers can navigate the process smoothly and avoid legal complications in the future.
By encouraging foreign workers to voluntarily return to their home countries, the government aims to regulate the workforce and improve compliance with immigration laws. It is crucial for all stakeholders to cooperate and adhere to the regulations to ensure a successful implementation of these programs.
The government’s efforts to address the issue of undocumented foreign workers demonstrate a commitment to maintaining order and legality in the labor sector. With these new policies in place, employers and foreign workers can work together to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the law.
