PETALING JAYA:
The registration can be made at all Immigration Department offices in the peninsula.Employers can start registering their illegal foreign workers under the Immigration Department’s E-kad programme starting Feb 15.
Equipped with a biometric security system, the E-kad registration will be free and valid for a year.
Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said last week that employers could apply for the E-kad between Feb 15 and June 30.
For the illegal foreign workers to qualify for the E-kad, they must be presently employed and adhere to the existing rehiring programme’s regulations.
Under the programme’s current regulations, only those below 45 years are allowed to apply.
Malay Merchants and Entrepreneurs Association vice-president Datuk Naim Mohamad welcomed the move, as it could save time and cost for employers.
“It is more beneficial compared to rounding up illegal immigrants and then deporting them to their home countries, as this could deprive employers of much needed workers,” he said.
Naim suggested that the authorities implement a proper tracking and monitoring system that could be established for those registered under the programme.
“This way, if their contract is extended, their data will be available for easy monitoring.
“This can address problems related to security issues and their possible involvement in criminal activities,” he said.
Naim also suggested that a similar approach be extended to Sabah and Sarawak.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/01/30/raise-worker-ekad-age-limit-to-55-say-restaurant-owners/#G13O6J8B9UEi2rUa.99
