PUTRAJAYA: The government has set up two online systems for employers to recruit foreign workers.
Home Minister secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said the systems are Foreign Worker Application System (SPPA) and Integrated Foreign Workers Management system (ePPAx).
"The ePPAx is for the intake of all foreign workers from all source countries except Bangladesh while SPPA system is for Bangladeshi workers only.
"The government has introduced these online systems to avoid the involvement of a middleman, which can minimise the recruitment cost and administration of foreign workers.
"This is also to shorten the period to recruit the workers and curb the cases of abuse and trafficking of migrant workers.
“Both systems were developed to apply for foreign workers in formal sectors such as manufacturing, construction, service, farming and agriculture. This excludes the foreign maids,” Alwi said in a statement, today.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had on April 6 said employers who wish to recruit foreign workers are required to apply online, starting April 1.
Zahid said the application was mandatory for foreign workers from all source countries, except for maids.
He said the move is to ensure that the employers are not cheated by employment agents as there are some cases where employers were forced to pay extra.
Alwi said employers can access the system through www.eppax.gov.my or portal.sppa.com.my.
“The initial process for employers' qualification assessment will be implemented online based on the information given by the employers.
“The employers will be called for an interview at the ministry's One Stop Centre (OSC), to verify and finalise the application submitted by the employers.
“After the interview process and quota approval at the OSC, the employers can apply for visa with references to bring in the foreign workers into the country,” he said.
For further information, employers can also visit the official website of the ministry and Immigration Department and Labour Department.