The Malaysian government is set to halt the services provided by visa application agencies handling visa applications for Bangladeshi migrant workers.
Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that this decision comes as eVisa applications can now be directly processed through the Immigration Department's MyVisa portal, reports New Straits Times.
"The government has also provided active IDs and user manuals to employers on the hiring of Bangladeshi migrant workers," the home minister said in a press conference on 8 March.
Simultaneously, Saifuddin defended the government's decision to nullify migrant worker quotas unused after 31 March.
He explained that employers would have until 31 May this year to bring in migrant workers to Malaysia once visas are approved.
Saifuddin emphasised that the decision was made after thorough consideration by his ministry and the Human Resources Ministry, considering public peace elements and labour needs in Malaysia.
"The decision will also allow the government to assess the effectiveness of implemented initiatives and accurately measure the need for foreign workers in the country before considering the need to open quotas for hiring foreign workers," he said.
The home minister also highlighted those enabling direct eVisa applications for Bangladeshi workers would assist employers in utilising their quotas, with the process expected to take one to two working days.
Previously, the Immigration Department updated its circular on regulations regarding the management and intake of foreign workers.
The circular specifies that employers with an active quota for foreign workers must bring workers into the country by May 31 this year, a significant change from the previously set deadline of September 2024, and cancel any unused foreign worker quota by March 31.
Saifuddin also stated last week that quotas for active foreign workers would be voided if visas with reference were not issued by 31 March.
He further mentioned that the government would not permit foreign workers into the country under active quotas starting on 1 June.
Saifuddin went on saying that from 17 January to 18 March last year, a total of 412,011 migrant worker quotas were granted visa callings.
"Out of this total, 239,305 migrant worker quotas (58.1 per cent) have been granted approval letters until December 31, 2023.
"This statistic provides a clear picture those employers who genuinely require foreign workers will expedite the entry of foreign workers into the country," he said, adding that the deadline given for bringing in foreign workers was in line with the government's aim to expedite the process of accommodating migrant workers to address the urgent needs of industries.