Malaysia mulling temporary work permits for undocumented migrants

Malaysian government is considering issuing temporary work permits to illegal foreign workers in the country to overcome the shortage of workers in the oil palm and rubber industries.

Muhyiddin Yassin, the prime minister of the country, came up with the statement at a progamme on Friday amid a shortage of foreign workers as the country closed its borders to curb the spread of Covid-19, reports malaymail.com.

The prime minister informed that the country is considering issuance of work permits for one or two years in the two sectors.

“Give them a temporary licence or work permit, like what we call an amnesty or legalisation programme. This is what we are mulling over,” he added.

Muhyiddin said this proposal would be explained further by the home ministry and energy ministry later to avoid misunderstanding.

The prime minister said he did not want to give the wrong impression to syndicates that they could bring in illegal workers in the future.