The increase in migrant workers arriving in Malaysia before a recent deadline has been attributed to employers rushing to bring them in. The deadline was set by the government in line with a decision to cancel quotas for migrant workers who have not obtained entry visas by March 31. A Visa with Reference (VDR) is required for non-citizens to enter Malaysia, and the government had previously stated that migrant workers must obtain these by the end of March.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the earlier deadline in March, stating that it would help authorities better assess the need for foreign labor in the country. Critics, including industry players and activists, have raised concerns about the tight timeframe for visa applications, as delays could lead to vulnerable workers being left in limbo. Despite calls to stick with the original September 30 deadline, the minister defended the decision, citing national security reasons and the potential for quotas to reach their limit by May 31.
The situation has caused thousands of migrants, particularly from Bangladesh and Nepal, to face uncertainty as promised jobs have been revoked after they paid high recruitment fees. The immigration department has emphasized the importance of vetting and health check-ups for all arriving migrant workers in Malaysia. Employers have been urged to cooperate in settling immigration processes for their workers to avoid congestion in arrival halls. The department is working with airport authorities to improve the efficiency of the vetting process and provide assistance, such as additional counters, officers, and provisions for food and water.
As of now, Malaysia has around 2.17 million approved migrant workers, and the government is focusing on managing their influx to prevent any security concerns. The criticism over the expedited deadlines highlights the challenges faced by both employers and workers in navigating the immigration process. Moving forward, authorities will continue to monitor and enhance the situation to ensure the smooth entry and integration of migrant workers in Malaysia while maintaining security measures. The recent changes underscore the complex issues surrounding foreign labor in the country and the need for effective policies to address them.
