KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign domestic helpers (FDH) stranded in their respective home countries following the closure of international borders are now allowed to return to Malaysia.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the domestic helpers however must have a valid visa and working permit before applying for the MyTravel Pass.
"We've had many requests for foreign domestic helpers from source countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
"At the moment, the government has agreed to allow those who are stranded in their home countries but with a valid visa and working permit to return to Malaysia.
"For example, those who had returned to their home country for a holiday but couldn't come back after we shut our borders are now allowed to return but they must apply for the MyTravel Pass," he said in a press conference today.
Ismail Sabri said the foreign domestic helpers would be subjected to strict standard operating procedures once they arrive in Malaysia.
"They must take a Covid-19 swab test three days before their departure date and be quarantined for seven days upon arrival.
"The quarantine cost will be fully borne by their employers," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Association of Foreign Maid Agencies (PAPA) would be allowed to process recruitment applications so that foreign domestic helpers can return to the country once the borders reopen.
"PAPA has voiced its concern and informed that it will normally take three to four months to complete the recruitment application including applying for a visa and working permit. Hence, the government has agreed that they can start the preparation process now.
"However, they will not be allowed to bring in the foreign domestic helpers until the borders reopen.
"Let's say our borders reopen in August. If PAPA has not yet started the process, then the foreign domestic helpers will only be in the market in December, there will be a delay," he said.