So, now its a different story. Like it or not, you got no choice but to comply!
The country's employers should neither complaint nor question the new levies for foreign workers announced yesterday, says Home Deputy Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
He said for years, the government had tolerated various issues related to recruitment of foreign workers and helping employers in many aspects, adding it had also solved issues regarding foreign workers, which should otherwise been done by the employers.
"However, it (the government) was still being blamed for the dumping of foreign workers. The people are burdened with various problems, including lack of employment opportunities. Other than that, billions of ringgit have been taken out of the country by foreign workers.
"The government has been compromising a lot, including on the levy issue. If they continue complaining, the government may need to extend the freeze on recruitment of foreign workers," he told reporters after attending the passing-out parade of People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) in Melaka yesterday.
Effective last Friday, employers in the manufacturing, construction and services sectors (category one) will have to pay a levy of RM1,850 for each foreign worker hired. Plantation and agriculture sector bosses (category two) are to pay RM640 per worker.
The new rates entailed an increase of RM600 for category one and RM230 and RM50 for the plantations and agriculture sectors, respectively.
Nur Jazlan also reminded employers to hire foreign workers through channels provided by the government to avoid problems in the future.
"Nowadays, many employers like to hire illegal foreign workers. They are willing to pay thousands of ringgit to agents for the workers but not willing to pay levies to the government," he said.