Sibu: The Sarawak Government has been urged to take immediate action to expedite and simplify the approval process for foreign worker applications.
Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew said the call comes following a growing number of complaints from members of the public who claim their applications have yet to be approved despite being submitted last year.
“One of the complaints we received involved an applicant who submitted an application to hire an Indonesian domestic helper last year, but as of early August this year, no approval has been granted by the Sarawak Government.
“Delays in processing applications by the relevant authorities could lead to an increase in the employment of undocumented foreign workers,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Sibu Immigration Division Chief Davies Julot and Sibu Immigration Enforcement Division Chief Douglas recently.
Oscar said that applications for permits to hire Indonesian domestic helpers were previously submitted directly to the Immigration Department. However, applications are now required to be submitted through the Sarawak Government’s official portal, resulting in significantly longer processing times.
He explained that matters relating to foreign worker applications in Sarawak, including the recruitment of foreign domestic helpers, fall under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Government.
“This authority reflects Sarawak’s autonomy. Therefore, the application process must be made faster and simpler to prevent the industrial and economic sectors from facing labour shortages.
“A shortage of workers not only increases operating costs, but can also lead to higher prices for goods and delays in production,” he said.
