The Malaysian government has announced stricter regulations for foreign workers to reduce reliance on overseas labor and boost domestic employment.
According to Al Jazeera, the new plan, effective from June, will raise the minimum salary required for a work visa and limit the duration of stay for foreign workers to between five and ten years.
The policy aims to increase citizens’ incomes and reduce the share of foreign labor in the market, which is expected to drop from 14.1 percent in 2024 to 5 percent by 2035.
Under the regulations, the minimum monthly salary for certain work visa categories will increase from 10,000 to 20,000 ringgit (approximately $2,500 to $5,000), with similar adjustments planned for other categories.
The decision has raised concerns among foreign workers and businesses. Many workers are uncertain about their long-term plans in Malaysia, while economic experts warn the policy could increase business costs and prompt an outflow of skilled labor, particularly in technology, finance and energy sectors.
hz/sa
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