Decision to allow foreign maids to enter country is at discretion of Immigration, says Ismail Sabri

PUTRAJAYA: Employers who have foreign domestic helpers stranded overseas can apply to enter the country but the decision to allow them in will be at the discretion of the Immigration authorities, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister said while entry restriction on foreigners, including maids is still in place, there may be special cases which can be given consideration by the department.

“Applications will be according to case to justify allowing the return of domestic helpers who are currently stranded in their home country.

“Perhaps in the case of a working couple who are looking after aged and ill parents, or caring for a child with disabilities with the help of a maid, approval can be given by the authorities,” he said on Thursday (Nov 12).

The Immigration Department had said that employers who have foreign domestic maids stranded overseas but possess temporary work visit passes can appeal for permission to enter the country.

Its director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said all appeals can be made through the MyTravelPass system and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

He said that the entry restriction on foreigners, including domestic maids from Indonesia and the Philippines, was a move to stop the spread of Covid-19, although consideration for entry may be given for cases involving health and other critical matters.

Khairul said employers need to adhere to all entry conditions and also Covid-19 prevention steps, including undergoing screening and the 14-day quarantine, in addition to bearing the cost of quarantine.