APPLICATIONS for foreign workers in three sub-sectors – barbershops, goldsmiths and textiles – will reopen on October 10, Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said.

He said the applications were reopened due to high demand from entrepreneurs after it was frozen in 2009.

“This matter was already presented to the cabinet on September 8. The government has agreed to give approval for 7,500 foreign workers in these three sub-sectors,” he said in a press conference in Putrajaya today.

The number includes 5,000 existing foreign workers.

Sivakumar said the employment period for the three sub-sectors is according to the current policy, which is 10 years with a maximum extension of another three years.

“For employees who have completed their employment period, they must be sent home,” he said.

The application for renewal of the temporary work visit pass can be made on October 10.

Sivakumar said applications are open until the quota set by the government is met, and no extension of applications will be allowed.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced that the government had approved part of the applications for the recruitment of foreign workers for the three sub-sectors but placed the condition that local youth be given training. – October 2, 2023.