Critical to develop foreign worker recruitment policy and system - FMM

The policy must be supported by "a credible, consistent and transparent system", FMM said in a statement today.

While FMM is supportive of the removal of the special quota for foreign workers to certain parties, which could be open to "possible misuse and abuse" resulting in excessive entry and the possibility of foreign worker human trafficking issues, business operations have been hampered by acute manpower challenges in the unskilled manpower positions.

The statement, signed off by president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, said FMM had previously indicated that in order for industries -- especially export-based companies -- to return to pre-pandemic level, the general skill labour conditions this year must have more than a 600,000-strong foreign labour workforce.

This is to fill the gaps which arose as a result of the sharp drop in foreign workers in the manufacturing sector in 2021 compared with pre-COVID-19 in 2019. This came about because employers were unable to get replacements for their foreign workers who had returned to their respective countries.

FMM said the situation must be addressed in order to aid business revival, otherwise the recovery could be derailed.

We urge the concerned authorities to put their act together to resolve, facilitate and approve the importation of foreign workers urgently, Soh said.

"The post-pandemic business landscape is very competitive,'' he said, adding that companies may lose customers. They also risk possible relocation of manufacturing base by the principal company.

FMM is also seeking more clarity on the foreign worker recruitment process including the changes that have been introduced. This includes the standard operating procedures (SOP) on foreign workers entry and the new terms agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding with the source countries.

It also requests the details be released early including having engagements with the stakeholders to ensure that the procedures are workable and result in a win-win outcome for all.

Soh said "any changes should be progressive and enhance efficiency of the system" including moving the entire process online, preferably involving only one ministry/agency for approval.

Soh also thanked the government for deferring the implementation of the multi-tier levy mechanism to July 1 this year. He is also seeking details of the multi-tier levy to give industries the time to plan and adjust to the new system and to factor in any rise in cost.