Govt May Relax Visa Rules To Allow Foreign Workers On Fishing Vessels

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Home minister Hamzah Zainudin said the granting of work permits will help boost the fisheries industry. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: The government is considering relaxing visa regulations for foreign workers in fishing vessels in a move to boost the fisheries industry, says home minister Hamzah Zainudin.
In a statement today, he said the ministry is “ready to consider” granting flexibility in allowing foreign workers on local vessels.
“This conditional relaxation covers the special exemption for visit passes (temporary work), only for those who have already applied for them and have a receipt confirming that their application is being processed by the immigration department,” said Hamzah.
“This exemption given will be until Oct 31.”

Hamzah added that the granting of this conditional relaxation will also enable employers in the fisheries sub-sector to complete their foreign workers’ visa applications.
This comes after the home ministry held a meeting with representatives of the Malaysia Fish Industries General Association to discuss security and immigration issues faced by local entrepreneurs involving the employment of foreign workers in the fisheries sub-sector.
Hamzah said enforcement will begin on Nov 1, with employers in the fisheries sub-sector found to be in violation of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966 and other applicable Acts to face the full force of the law.
He said this is in line with the government’s intention to ensure that all individuals entering and staying in the country have valid travel documents and comply with immigration laws. - FMT

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