Government Tightens Maid Recruitment Rules

As of late 2023, Malaysia’s Human Resources Ministry has enforced a rule that all employers are required to hire Indonesian domestic helpers through licensed private employment agencies and coordinate through the Indonesian Embassy. This process uses Malaysia’s Maid Online System and Indonesia’s Sipermit platform, with a capped hiring fee of RM15,000. The goal is to ensure transparency and elderly taker protect workers’ rights.

Cross-Border Collaboration on Recruitment Process

Both countries have agreed to establish a bilateral task force to integrate their worker placement systems. This is aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring better oversight of the maid recruitment process.

UN Highlights Forced Labour Concerns

A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that around one-third of migrant maids in Malaysia experience unfair conditions. This finding has pressured both governments to tighten regulations and take stronger actions to safeguard vulnerable workers.

Blacklisting Non-Compliant Agencies

The Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia stated that maid agencies who don’t follow the law or have unresolved complaints from employers will be blacklisted. This measure is intended to punish unethical agencies and improve accountability in the maid hiring industry.

These collaborative efforts aim to improve the recruitment and placement of Indonesian maids in Malaysia, guaranteeing safety and preventing exploitation.