APPLICATIONS to hire foreign workers have been stopped temporarily from August 15-31, the Human Resources Ministry said today.

It is to enable a review of foreign worker procedures following the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022 that will be enforced from September 1, the ministry said in a statement.

“The new procedure for foreign worker applications beginning September 1 will be announced soon,” it said.

Applications submitted by employers before or on August 14 will be processed and completed before or on August 31.

The Employment (Amendment) Bill 2022 passed by the Parliament in March involves the extension of maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, restrictions to firing pregnant workers and the introduction of maternity leave for married male workers. – Bernama, August 5, 2022.