‘Bosses must send foreign workers off'
PUTRAJAYA: The Check Out Memo (COM) procedure for foreign workers heading back to their respective countries will now require their employers to be present at international exit points in the country, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
In a statement yesterday, Saifuddin Nasution said the decision was made following a joint committee meeting between the Home Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry.
'We agreed with the recommendation by the Immigration Department to strengthen the management of the Check Out Memo for foreign workers.
'With today's agreement, employers are now required to be present at the international exit points to manage the exit registration of foreign workers, just as they are required to manage the entry of foreign workers.
'Employers who fail to comply with this requirement could face restrictions on new quota applications and other immigration-related procedures,' he added.
Saifuddin Nasution also said the meeting yesterday allowed foreign workers to submit applications to change employers to take up jobs in different sectors.
Close ranks: Saifuddin Nasution (front, right) and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim chairing the joint meeting at Putrajaya International Convention Centre. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
'Previously, the government only allowed changes for foreign workers within the same employment sector, subject to conditions such as company restructuring, company closure, company expansion, or approval from a committee managed by the Labour Department.
'With this new decision, employers are allowed to apply for foreign worker transfer across different employment sectors. This policy change will bring various benefits not only to the government but also to employers and foreign workers.
'It reflects a good practice recommended by international labour organisations and has already been adopted by developed countries,' he said.
He added that all parties must take note and comply with the new regulations related to the employment of foreign workers.
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