Business group cries foul over new migrant hiring deadline

The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) is appealing to the government to reverse its decision to speed up the deadline for migrant worker recruitment.

The Home Ministry last week announced that unused quotas for hiring migrant workers would be cancelled by June 1.

The active quota for hiring migrants, for which levies have been paid but visas with reference have not been issued by the end of March will also be cancelled.

The levies from the cancelled quotas would be refunded, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was quoted as saying by The Edge.

In a response to the announcement, NCCIM president Soh Thian Lai lamented that the decision had placed “considerable strain” on businesses.

He said multiple industries may end up facing disruptions, while there are concerns about what would happen to workers who are scheduled to arrive after the deadline expires.

“The rescheduling of the deadline to May 31 has created a sense of urgency, compelling employers to navigate through immigration processes that remain unclear.

“This sudden shift disrupts meticulously planned business operations, necessitating a rapid and often infeasible adjustment,” he said in a statement last night.

Engage industry stakeholders

The announcement may end up impacting the economy and the country’s ability to attract and retain foreign investments, he said.

NCCIM president Soh Thian Lai

As such, the NCCIM wants the government to revert to its original deadline of Sept 30.

They also called on the government to engage industry stakeholders before making such policy changes.

“Looking ahead, the NCCIM is also seeking clarification on the government’s plans beyond the deadline for the recruitment of migrant workers.

“Businesses must have a clear understanding of future regulations and policies to effectively plan and adapt their operations,” Soh said.

The NCCIM is the umbrella group for various other commerce groups, including the Malay, Chinese and Indian chambers of commerce, the internal chambers of commerce, and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. - Mkini