Questioning Government Delays in Foreign Worker Approvals
Dato G Kumaar Aamaan, Chief Editor of Ottrangknews and activist, raises urgent questions to the Prime Minister and Home Minister over persistent delays in the approval process for foreign worker applications in Malaysia.
Despite strict pre-approval requirements under the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022, a focused drive to protect the local workforce, and measures to ensure labor law compliance and worker welfare, many sectors remain frustrated with the prolonged processing times. While some sectors claim they are running happily under current government restrictions—declaring that local workers have fully met all requirements—numerous industries continue to struggle with critical shortages and operational inefficiencies.
Key reasons cited for these delays include:
Pre-Approval Requirements: Employers must obtain prior approval from the Director General of Labour for every foreign hire.
Focus on Local Workforce: The government insists on proving the unavailability of suitable local candidates before considering foreign workers.
Compliance and Welfare Standards: Strenuous adherence to labor laws, including minimum wages, social security, and housing standards.
Streamlined Processes Yet Challenges Remain: Despite the introduction of the Integrated Foreign Workers Management System (ePPAx), employers still face obstacles.
Sectoral Restrictions and Quotas: Specific limits in industries like construction and manufacturing add to delays.
Corruption and Transparency Issues: Allegations of corruption and opaque practices further complicate the process.
Fragmented Management and Housing Requirements: Coordination among multiple agencies and stringent housing criteria for foreign workers create additional hurdles.
Hiring Freeze and Visa Approvals: In some sectors, a hiring freeze coupled with lengthy Visa with Reference (VDR) and Single-Entry Visa processes extend approval times.
Questions for the Government:
Will the Prime Minister and Home Minister declare that local workers have completely met government restrictions, thereby justifying the current delays in foreign worker approvals?
With various sectors still struggling, what tangible benefits do these restrictions bring to the economy and overall business operations?
These questions come at a critical time when employers and affected industries are calling for clearer policies and faster processing times to ensure Malaysia’s continued economic growth and competitiveness.