KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 ― Poor implementation of processes for hiring Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia have led to migrants opting for improper channels or avoiding Malaysia completely, warned agencies involved in the recruitment and placement process.
In a joint press conference held yesterday by the Malaysia National Association of Employment Agencies (Pikap) and Asosiasi Perusahaan Jasa Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (Apjati), a call was made for the Malaysian government to include them in consultations before implementing new processes.
Pikap president Datuk Raja Zulkepley Dahalan said Malaysia was becoming the last choice for Indonesian domestic workers who find it easier to go to other countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore where the employment process was more efficient.
“The process here is too long and involves too many government departments and ministries. The overall process can take anywhere between 42 days to three months,” he said.
The associations suggested that it should be shortened to three weeks.
Raja Zulkeply said among the hiccups that has caused much of the delay was the process of obtaining a Calling Visa from the Immigration Department for the prospective worker and the supporting letter from the Labour Department for the employer.
He said both processes took between one and three weeks each and suggested it should be shortened to only three days each.
Both associations also called for the abolishment of Journey Performed (JP) Visas as it has led to employers abusing it and bypassing the official channel.
“Employers are exploiting the JP Visa to hire domestic workers because it is much faster. However, the workers will not be trained and the welfare of the workers is left completely to the employer and not protected by our agencies,” he said.
The associations stated a united front in rejecting recent increases in costs in processes which they were not consulted on and not informed in advance of its implementation.
Raja Zulkepley said processing fees for visas had increased from RM15 to RM240 after the processing was handed over to a private company, PT Omni Sarana Cipta.
“That is a 1,500 per cent increase. Another question to ask is, where is that extra money going?” he said.
Apjati, represented by its president Ayub Basalamah, called for an increase in wages for domestic workers to RM1,200 as well as for enforcement on illegal recruitment to be tighter.
Raja Zulkeply also expressed frustration that the associations were not consulted by the government when drawing up processes and implementation.
“We are the actual players in the market. Don’t push us aside. This is the reason we have this association.
“Why can’t they include us in consulting to determine the problems on the ground?” he said.
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