Malaysia Announces Stricter Regulations for Foreign Workers
KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian government has announced stricter regulations for foreign workers, effective from June, to reduce reliance on overseas labor and boost domestic employment.
According to Al Jazeera, the new policy raises the minimum salary required for certain work visa categories from 10,000 ringgit (approximately $2,500) to 20,000 ringgit (about $5,000), with similar adjustments planned for other categories. It also limits the duration of stay for foreign workers to between five and 10 years.
The measures aim to increase citizens' incomes and lower the share of foreign labor in the workforce, from 14.1 percent in 2024 to 5 percent by 2035.
The decision has sparked concerns among foreign workers, many of whom expressed uncertainty about their long-term plans in Malaysia. Businesses and economic experts have warned that the policy could drive up operational costs and lead to an outflow of skilled labor, particularly in the technology, finance and energy sectors.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in Economy
High-Ranking Uzbek Delegation Arrives in Kabul to Boost Trade with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Million-Dollar Industrial Investment in Balkh Creates Around 40 Jobs
Approximately 7 Percent Increase in Mehtarlam Municipality Revenues
Workers in Kabul Concerned Over Limited Job Opportunities and Qatar Deployment Uncertainty
ReliableHigh-Ranking Uzbek Delegation Arrives in Kabul to Boost Trade with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
A high-ranking delegation from Uzbekistan's Namangan Province led by Governor Shukrat Abdulrazzaqov has arrived in Kabul to strengthen trade and investment with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The group will meet officials, participate in business conferences, visit Balkh Province and inaugurate a Uzbek products exhibition in Mazar-i-Sharif.
ReliableMillion-Dollar Industrial Investment in Balkh Creates Around 40 Jobs
An industrial company in Balkh province invested one million dollars in advanced machinery for tank and mold production, creating around 40 jobs. Provincial officials reported issuing 284 new licenses last year amid growing investments under the Islamic Emirate, while noting electricity shortages as a persistent issue.
ReliableApproximately 7 Percent Increase in Mehtarlam Municipality Revenues
Mehtarlam Municipality collected 106 million Afghanis in revenues during 1404, about a 7 percent increase from 99 million Afghanis in 1403, according to Mayor Maulvi Nazar Mohammad Atiq. Of the total, 88 million Afghanis were spent on projects with the remainder deposited to the government treasury.
ReliableWorkers in Kabul Concerned Over Limited Job Opportunities and Qatar Deployment Uncertainty
Workers in Kabul have expressed concerns about limited job opportunities and the lack of a clear timeline for their deployment to Qatar nearly eight months after registration. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is pursuing official labor agreements with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Oman and Russia to provide legal work opportunities for Afghan workers abroad.