Immigration's online maid system can be used by all source countries, says Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department's online maid system (SMO) can be used by prospective domestic helpers from all source countries and not just Indonesia, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He said this had been announced worldwide and applications could be made through this Malaysian system.

Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Hermono previously said that his country had stopped receiving new job orders for migrant workers in all sectors for the time being but those already approved could proceed.

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An industry source claimed that the SMO was not applicable to Indonesian domestic workers.

Asked if Malaysia would be affected by Indonesia's decision, Hamzah said Indonesia was just one of the many sources of foreign workers for Malaysia.

ALSO READ: Indonesia to phase out domestic helpers to Malaysia eventually

"We have 15 source countries where we can look for workers to meet our labour demands," he said.

Hamzah also said they would expedite the issuance of work permits for foreigners under the labour recalibration programme.

"We want to ensure that those who apply for a work permit will get it as the goal of the programme is to ensure foreigners working here are legally employed," he said.

The labour recalibration programme, which ended on Dec 31 last year, saw the registration of 418,528 foreign workers involving close to 30,000 employers.

A total of 335,276 individuals went through the verification process but only 114,121 have received work permits.