Online Rehiring programme for illegal foreign workers begins Feb 15

The online application for the Rehiring Programme to enable foreign workers without permits to be given valid work permits announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the Revised Budget 2016, will officially start on February 15, said Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid who is also Home Minister said the first phase of the application will remain open for three months as two million illegal foreign workers are expected to be employed through the programme.

“It will be implemented around the country, however in Sabah and Sarawak it will be implemented by the state’s own authority,” he said during a press conference held after addressing the monthly assembly at the Home Ministry here today.

Zahid said application can also be made online without going through agents of foreign workers.

“The issue which cropped up before this was when employers say that they have given their application to agents. The agents will however accept the cash without doing anything and pass it to us,” said Zahid.

He explained no penalties would be charged on employers who apply within the three months period.

“We will look at the response after the duration and an announcement for extension will be made by the Foreign Ministry,” said Zahid.

He added that action would be taken on employers who fail to register their employers after the end of the application duration.