No more foreign barbers as govt goes ahead with ban

PUTRAJAYA: The government is going ahead with its plan to ban foreigners from being hired as laundrymen, textile shop assistants, barbers and goldsmiths.

In a joint statement, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Human Resources Minister M Kula Segaran said a freeze on the ban in these services sub-sectors will be lifted in stages.

“The policy that allows the replacement of foreign workers for these sub-sectors will be terminated in stages from 2019 to 2021,” they said.

The statement said the decision was made to prioritise the employment of locals as well as to focus on more economically stimulating areas.

Meanwhile, both ministries also agreed to expand the entry period of foreign workers under a Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Work) for the agriculture sector, particularly paddy farming.

“The decision was made after the two ministries observed the current high cost of operations for paddy farmers,” they said.

They also said Putrajaya is in the final stage of negotiations with the Bangladesh government to improve the rubber glove industry.

“The results of the negotiations will be presented to the cabinet to make a decision. In the meantime, the employment of Nepali foreign workers will continue,” the statement said. - FMT