08-05-2025
Govt to allow foreign workers to change employers across different sectors
Every work of art needs a tool. Like a paintbrush to a painter, or a chisel to a sculpture, a skilled worker is the crucial tool that creates a concrete masterpiece. Here is some site workers carrying the raw materials and fittings for an urban property development in Petaling Jaya-YAP CHEE HONG/TheStar.
PUTRAJAYA: The government has decided to allow foreign workers to change employers across different sectors of employment, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the decision was made at the 13th joint committee meeting on the management of foreign workers, which he co-chaired with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong here on Thursday (May 8).
Previously, the government only permitted foreign workers to switch employers within the same sector, subject to conditions such as company restructuring, closure, expansion or approval by a committee overseen by the Labour Department.
"This policy change will provide various benefits, not just for the government, but also for employers and foreign workers," Saifuddin said in a statement following the meeting.
He further highlighted that this approach aligns with best practices recommended by international labour organisations and has already been adopted by other developed countries.
Saifuddin said the meeting also agreed on a proposal by the Immigration Department to enhance the management of the Check Out Memo (COM) for foreign workers.
"With today's decision, employers will be required to be present at the international exit points to manage the departure registration of foreign workers, just as they manage their entry into the country.
The two-hour meeting was also attended by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, as well as senior officials from relevant ministries. – Bernama
