| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE Ministry of Home Affairs through the Labour Department yesterday announced a new policy that will shorten the processing period for employing foreign workers.
This was revealed by Haji Idris bin Haji Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, during a press conference held yesterday at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) building in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Haji Idris bin Haji Ali said that the Labour Department will incorporate the Foreign Workers Employment License and Work Pass Recommendation (BUR 500/ BUR 555) in a new policy known as the Foreign Worker License application (LPA).
The deputy permanent secretary added that the LPA was implemented to provide better and efficient services and assist business owners in dealing and submitting their applications to the Labour Department.
“Under this new policy process, the application will be shortened from 41 working days to nine and it will reduce the processing procedures to seven from the previous 12. Furthermore, the recruitment of foreign workers’ licence previously based on a quota system will no longer available,” said the deputy permanent secretary.
Haji Idris further explained that the Labour Department will allocate a number of counters at the Local Employment and Workforce Development Agency (APTK) as well as at the Immigration and National Registration Department to ease the application process.
Haji Idris bin Haji Ali Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MoHa, explaining on the new process in a press conference held at the ministry’s building yesterday. – ROKIAH MAHMUD
In ensuring the process can be implemented, a pilot test was carried out on September 6 where a number of companies and agencies were briefed on the matter before submitting their applications.
Currently, 15 applications have been approved out of a total of 22 that were received with the department’s Client’s Charter (TPOR) which is within seven working days for the release of LPA’s.
Under the LPA, businesses need to meet certain requirements that include registering and advertising vacancies.
An endorsement from the APTK is also required as well as an endorsement through e-Amanah at the Employees Trust Fund (TAP). A recommendation or certification from other government agencies, statutory bodies or associations is also required.
Following with the introduction of the new process, businesses were reminded to prioritise employing locals in accordance to a predetermined ratio of local to foreign workers that was agreed upon and certified by government agencies stakeholders.
The new process will take effect on October 1, while additional license applications will take effect on April 2017.
Meanwhile, the application for new licences for companies via online will be discontinued starting October 1. A series of roadshows will be carried out in every district to further provide information to employers and other stakeholders regarding the new process. More information can be obtained at the Labour Department’s website www.labour.gov.bn.
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