KUCHING: The government is considering a multi-tier levy system for foreign workers based on the principle of “the more you hire, the more you pay”.
Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Amir Omar said the system would see employers determine the number of foreign workers they want to hire.
“This has been successfully implemented in countries like Singapore. Employers are given leeway to hire foreign workers while the government maintains control based on the levy charged,” he said yesterday.
Speaking at a town hall session by an independent committee on the management of foreign workers here, he said the multi-tier system idea was being studied.
On the social security scheme for foreign workers similar to the Employees’ Social Security Act, he said the government was in the final stages of implementing it.
Amir said such a scheme was necessary to fulfil the International Labour Organisation’s convention on equality of treatment on social protection for national and foreign workers.
He said the government also welcomed recommendations from relevant parties and stakeholders to improve the management of foreign workers here.
“The independent committee is scheduled to hold 13 town hall sessions nationwide to hear suggestions from employers, employees, academicians and civil society organisations.
“Three sessions have been held in Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan and Melaka and the next one will take place in Miri tomorrow.
“After the sessions, a report will be presented to a joint committee chaired by Home Affairs and Human Resources ministers and then to the Cabinet,” he said.
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