Malaysia to begin legalisation process tomorrow

The legalisation process for the illegal foreign workers including Bangladeshis in Malaysia will begin tomorrow, the Malaysian home ministry said today.

More than two lakh Bangladeshi migrant workers who have been staying in Malaysia without proper documents will enjoy the facilities, Shahidul Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh at Kuala Lumpur, confirmed The Daily Star.

“The process will continue for two or three months,” he added.

The process will begin online aiming at giving the undocumented foreign workers opportunity to obtain valid work permits to meet labour demands in specific sectors, said a statement issued by the Malaysian Home Ministry today.

The programme, which would continue until December 31 this year, would be carried out under tight vigilance, said the statement.

"The government will set tight conditions on the illegal workers and employers who want to participate in this programme, and will ensure those not qualified would be deported according to procedures," the statement also said.

The move would enable the government to know the number of illegal foreign workers in the country for monitoring and security purposes.

The programme would be evaluated in the first three months - from its effectiveness until its smooth running. 

It would be done in a careful and controlled manner to avoid cheating, according to the Ministry. 

"Employers found employing illegal foreign workers not registered under the programme will face stern action," the Ministry added.

Applications can be submitted at the Ministry's portal www.rehiring.imi.gov.my, where the applicants will also find the conditions in detail. 

Queries on the programme can be directed to the Malaysian Immigration Department's Operations Room from 8:30am to 11:00pm at 03 - 8880 1555 during weekdays.