Govt initiates illegal foreign worker rehiring programme

PUTRAJAYA: Beginning from Feb 15 onwards, employers can complete the documentation of their illegal foreign workers through the online rehiring programme initiated by the government.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix) said currently there are around two million foreigners working illegally in Malaysia.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said many employers had asked the government to allow their foreign workforce to continue working in Malaysia.
"They have shown their willingness to officially apply to the government.
"The employers can directly apply online without going through agents," he told a press conference after attending the ministry's monthly assembly at the Home Ministry here today.
Ahmad Zahid said previously, employers faced problems when some agents failed to complete their foreign workers registration although payment had already been made.
"This has caused the workers to overstay in the country.
"At the same time, levy was not paid to the government. Due to this, the government felt that the employers needed help," he added.
Ahmad Zahid added that no penalty would be imposed on employers if they decide to complete their workers' documentation through the online programme.
However, levy would still be imposed according to the sector of their foreign workers.
Commenting on the increase of the foreign worker’s levy, Ahmad Zahid said the government would have a discussion on the matter with the relevant stakeholders after Chinese New Year.
He added that the government would be looking into several aspects before deciding if the levy rate should be reduced or not.