Foreign Worker Employment Quota Freeze Extended
Reasons for the Freeze
The Malaysian government has announced that the freeze on foreign worker employment quota applications will continue until a date to be announced later. This decision was made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who explained that the total number of foreign workers in the country is nearing the stipulated ceiling.
Stipulated Ceiling for Foreign Workers
According to Saifuddin Nasution, the total number of foreign workers in the country is guided by the stipulation set by the Economy Ministry under the 12th Malaysia Plan, which is 157 per cent of the total workforce in the country.
Further Delays in Opening the Quota
The government has indicated that it will study and reconsider the ruling on opening the quota on foreign worker employment. As a result, the freeze on foreign worker employment quota applications has been extended until a date to be announced later.
Workforce Recalibration Programme 2.0
The Workforce Recalibration Programme 2.0 registration period ended on December 31, 2023, and the government has no plans to implement the programme again in the future. This means that any further applications for foreign worker employment quotas are unlikely to be accepted in the near future.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the freeze on foreign worker employment quota applications?
A: The reason for the freeze is that the total number of foreign workers in the country is nearing the stipulated ceiling.
Q: What is the stipulated ceiling for foreign workers in the country?
A: The stipulated ceiling is 157 per cent of the total workforce in the country, as set by the Economy Ministry under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Q: Will the Workforce Recalibration Programme 2.0 be implemented again in the future?
A: No, the government has no plans to implement the programme again in the future.
Q: What does this mean for businesses and employers who rely on foreign workers?
A: This means that they will need to explore alternative solutions to meet their labor demands, such as training and upskilling local employees or exploring alternative sources of labor.