PUTRAJAYA – The government will implement the Migrant Repatriation Programme from March 1 for undocumented workers to go home without being prosecuted, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Speaking at a special media conference, he said that based on the decision approved during Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, undocumented workers who wish to return to their home countries would be allowed to do so after settling compounds for the immigration offences that they committed.
He said compounds ranging from RM300 to RM500 would be imposed for each immigration offence committed, including entering the country without valid travel documents, violating conditions, and overstaying.
Previously, the government implemented the Labour Recalibration Programme, which ended on December 31 last year, allowing employers to apply for undocumented foreign workers to meet their labour needs.
Meanwhile, the minister also announced that the current freeze on quota applications and approvals for hiring migrant workers is set to continue.
The freeze, initially implemented in March last year, was deemed unnecessary to be lifted, with Saifuddin stating that the existing approved quota “is enough” to meet the nation’s workforce requirements.
The sufficiency, Saifuddin added, is also supported by the approved quota under the Immigration Department’s recalibration programme.
“The cabinet has also agreed with the proposal to reintroduce a one-stop centre (to manage foreign workers), which will be headed by the Home Ministry,” he said.
Since March 1, the quota application and approval for migrant workers were suspended for all sectors.
However, Malaysian employers who paid a levy were also granted up to 18 days to bring in foreign labourers.
Saifuddin also said that the government will be reviewing its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 15 source nations on the hiring and recruitment of foreign workers.
The review process will first begin with Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia as the three nations collectively contribute 77% of migrant forces in Malaysia.
“The cabinet has also agreed to review the (MoU) requirements, which need improvement, seeing as how it (MoU) is a dynamic agreement that is not static.
“This is in line with the decision by the joint committee on the management of foreign workers, the Home Ministry, and the Human Resources Ministry.” – Scoop
