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The Home Affairs Ministry deputy secretary-general, Datuk Raja Azahar Raja Abdul Manap, told The Star newspaper on Saturday that there was a time when up to 2,000 approvals were granted daily. -- PHOTO: AFP




March 16, 2009

Job losses among locals and calls for cuts lead to 70% drop in approvals
By Hazlin Hassan, Malaysia Correspondent

       
The Home Affairs Ministry deputy secretary-general, Datuk Raja Azahar Raja Abdul Manap, told The Star newspaper on Saturday that there was a time when up to 2,000 approvals were granted daily. -- PHOTO: AFP
KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA has cut approvals for work permits for foreigners by about 70 per cent as it tries to address concerns over heavy job losses among locals and strident calls to send home more migrant workers.

The Home Affairs Ministry deputy secretary-general, Datuk Raja Azahar Raja Abdul Manap, told The Star newspaper on Saturday that there was a time when up to 2,000 approvals were granted daily.

But with a possible recession looming this year and higher unemployment expected, more jobs have to be set aside for Malaysians, he said.

In January and last month, an average of 250 permits were approved daily, compared with 800 last year - a drop of 70per cent.

'Those requesting foreign labour have to prove they have made the effort to employ locals. If they can prove it, then they will get the clearance,' said Mr Raja Azahar.

He also said the ministry is not extending the work permits of unskilled workers who have been here for three years. Previously, workers could apply to extend their work permits for an additional year.

'This is for all workers, especially on the front lines' such as at petrol stations and restaurants.

Exemptions have been given to the plantation and construction sectors, which are often shunned by Malaysians.

But Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) deputy president Khalid Atan said the 70per cent reduction was not enough as there could still be many foreign workers in the country who have not been sent back despite having been retrenched.

MTUC had earlier proposed a freeze on foreign workers amid widespread retrenchments in the manufacturing sector.


http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_350722.html