Foreign Workers Induction Course

INTRODUCTION
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Government of Malaysia and Government of Source Country Regarding the Recruitment of Workers, stipulates in Article 4(iii), (iv) and (v); Article 5 and Article 8(C)(vi) that all foreign workers working in Malaysia must possess sufficient knowledge of Malaysian culture and social practices, be able to communicate either in the English or Malay language and comply with all Malaysian laws, regulations and immigration procedures in Malaysia. One of the factors identified as contributing to misunderstandings, social problems and workplace problems among the foreign workers in Malaysia is their inability to communicate in English or Malay and a lack of understanding of Malaysian cultures, laws and regulations. 

In order to enable compliance with the relevant provisions of the MoU, the Malaysian government requires foreign workers working in Malaysia to attend an induction course on communication skills, Malaysian culture and laws and regulations. 

New foreign workers are required to attend a ten-day (10) pre-departure induction course in their home country on communication skills on basic communication skills in English or Malay, Malaysian culture, laws and regulations. 

Foreign workers who started work in Malaysia between 1st Jan 2004 and 30th Oct 2004  required to attend an intensive three day induction course.  The course is to be completed before 31st January 2005.

Foreign workers who successfully complete the induction course will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. This Certificate of Eligibility is mandatory and is a pre-requisite to:

a)         Enable new foreign workers to obtain a calling visa; and

b)         Enable foreign workers already in Malaysia to extend their working permit.

PURPOSE
The aims of this induction course for foreign workers in Malaysia are to:

a)         Enable foreign workers in Malaysia to have basic communication skills in English or Malay;

b)         Provide awareness of and respect for cultures and customs practiced in Malaysian; and

c)         Develop understanding and compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations.

COURSE SYLLABUS
The course syllabus and content will focus on the following three main areas:-

a.             Workplace Communication in English / Malay;

b.             Introduction to Malaysian customs, culture and social practices; and

c.             Awareness on the relevant laws, rules and regulations under existing labour laws.

The course can be conducted by the individual companies, trade associations or approved training providers (MTP). Prior notice with particulars of the workers and training details should be submitted to the labour office before commencement of the course. The labour office will visit and supervise the training. Hence, they will report to the Head Office who will issue Letter of Certification.

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