373,459 foreign worker applications approved until Dec 4 - Saifuddin Nasution

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department (JIM) has approved 373,459 applications to bring in foreign workers through Visa With Reference (VDR) from Jan 1 to Dec 4 this year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

He said of the total, only 254,677 foreign workers, or 68 per cent, were brought into the country to work in various sectors, such as manufacturing and plantations.

"Even if applications are approved, the employers still have not (yet) brought in all the foreign workers to this country due to various factors, including costs and systems in the source country that need to be followed," he told reporters after a briefing on JIM's operation by the agency's top management here today.

The figures are part of 403,869 applications received to bring in foreign workers, while the remaining 30,410 applications are being processed.

Saifuddin Nasution said currently, there are a total of 1.4 million foreign workers with temporary work pass in the country.

The figure includes labour for the manufacturing sector (510,507 foreign workers), construction (308,886), services (208,425) and agriculture (110,598).

Meanwhile, he said JIM had also issued 2.27 million passports between Jan 1 and Nov 30 this year, which showed a high trend of applications after the Movement Control Order was lifted.

"Almost 2.3 million passports were processed by the Immigration Department, which does not imply slow service, but rather I think it is a commendable effort for citizens," he said.

Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

-- BERNAMA