THE Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) is expecting a more cost- and time-efficient system for the recruitment of foreign workers after Putrajaya’s decision to place the process under the purview of the Home Ministry. 

MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman wants the new policy be implemented as soon as possible because the old system had put employers in a spot.

A better hiring system would enable businesses to get back on track, thus helping the nation to achieve its target GDP growth of 4-5%, he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution said his office would take over the management of foreign workers effective January 15.

Previously, the job was shared between the Home and Human Resources Ministries, causing confusion and delays for employers in hiring foreign workers.

Saifuddin said the policy chance could shorten the process of importing foreign workers by about 30 days.

He said the GDP could grow by up to 1% in the first quarter of the year if foreign worker intake was expedited.

Syed Hussain today said employers are relieved that the foreign worker shortage, which has lasted three years, will finally be over.

He said the MEF had always advocated for the job of processing foreign workers to be under the control of a single government entity.

“However, MEF accepts the decision  of prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and his cabinet that the Home Ministry will take the lead… in the management of foreign workers .” – January 6, 2023.