Malaysia Firm on May 31 Deadline for Foreign Workers' Entry Despite Bangladesh Appeal

Malaysia's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has confirmed that the government will not extend the May 31 deadline for foreign workers to enter the country. This decision affects nearly 17,000 Bangladeshi workers with approved visas who missed the deadline, despite appeals from the Bangladeshi government.

Why this matters: This decision affects nearly 17,000 Bangladeshi workers with approved visas who missed the deadline, and has implications for Malaysia's foreign worker policy and its impact on the economy. The government's firm stance on the deadline may lead to a more efficient management of foreign worker entries, but it also raises concerns about the welfare of workers who are affected by the decision.

Saifuddin emphasized that the deadline was set after careful consideration of all necessary processes, including quota approval, health checks, visa processing, and flight arrangements. He stated, "So, if you ask me whether there would be an extension of time, the answer is no. We announced the May 31 deadline a long time ago."

Between May 28 and 31, more than 20,000 foreign workers entered Malaysia, with some obtaining their visas as early as November last year. Saifuddin questioned why employers waited until the last minute to bring in their workers, given the ample notice provided.

The current projection for foreign workers in Malaysia is expected to exceed 2.6 million by December 2024, surpassing the Economic Planning Unit's target of 2.5 million. The manufacturing, services, and construction sectors have already met their foreign worker needs, while the farming and agriculture sectors will process workers according to approved quotas without new approvals.

Local media reported that the Bangladeshi government had requested a special one-off period to allow the workers to enter Malaysia. Despite this appeal, Saifuddin reiterated that the deadline would not be extended. He stated, "Between May 28 and 31, we recorded the entry of more than 20,000 foreign workers into the country. Some of them obtained their visas as early as November last year."

In a separate development, Saifuddin declined to comment on the probe into officers involved in the investigation of an assault against a disabled e-hailing driver, leaving it to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to comment. He emphasized that the decision on the foreign worker deadline was made to ensure the country's foreign worker needs are met while adhering to the approved quotas.

The Malaysian government's firm stance on the deadline highlights its commitment to managing foreign worker entries efficiently. Employers are urged to plan accordingly in the future to avoid last-minute issues and ensure compliance with set deadlines.

Key Takeaways

• Malaysia's Home Minister confirms no extension of May 31 deadline for foreign workers to enter the country.
• Decision affects nearly 17,000 Bangladeshi workers with approved visas who missed the deadline.
• Gov't aims to manage foreign worker entries efficiently, with 2.6 million projected by Dec 2024.
• Employers urged to plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues and comply with set deadlines.
• Bangladeshi gov't appeal for special one-off period rejected, with no exceptions made.