Employers cannot change source country of foreign workers - minister

Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar today said that his ministry is not considering any proposal to allow employers to change the source country of foreign workers after obtaining approval.

"There are many requests by employers to provide flexibility to change source countries.

"However, for now, we are not considering allowing employers to change the country of employment of foreign workers," Sivakumar (above) told Malaysiakini.

Under the existing policy, employers need to select the source country of foreign workers when making an application.

Once approved, the employer is not allowed to change the source country.

Earlier, Federal Territory MIC chairperson S Rajah asked the minister to reconsider the policy.

"I received many complaints from employers regarding this policy. To me, this policy does not make sense.

"What is wrong if we change the source country when our country has 13 source countries that are providing the foreign workers?

"I hope the minister takes note of this," he said.

According to him, this policy is one of the main reasons why many employers are still unable to bring foreign workers into the country.

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