Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
PUTRAJAYA: Foreign workers already employed at fast-food outlets may continue in their jobs until the expiry of their work permit, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The ministry however, will not renew those permits or issue new ones for foreigners wanting to work at these restaurants.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said the work permits have a maximum validity period of three years.
“They can still continue to work (at fast-food outlets) until their permit expires,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said in a press conference after receiving Uganda Internal Affairs Minister General Aronda Nyakairima at his office here yesterday.
He was commenting on an announcement last week that fast-food restaurants will no longer be allowed to hire foreign workers.
The decision was made by the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers and Illegal Immigrants to give priority to Malaysians to take up jobs at fast-food outlets.
On the I-Kad for foreigners, Dr Ahmad Zahid clarified that the cost for applying for the card has been covered under the existing cost for renewing temporary work passes.
It was previously reported that employers or foreign workers will need to pay RM110 for the I-Kad, which bears security features such as biometric fingerprints.
“Employers need not worry about any costs for the I-Kad as mentioned previously, seeing that it has been included in existing charges and payments collected by the Government during the renewal of the temporary working pass for every foreign worker,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid added that the ministry had gazetted several locations to hold illegal foreign workers in anticipation of those who may be deported under a nationwide operation to flush out illegal immigrants starting Jan 21.
Source: The Star
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