Malaysia has banned the recruitment of new foreign workers after widespread criticism of its decision to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshis to work in the country, a move that may also affect Indian labourers. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid said employers who wanted to hire foreign workers should recruit from among foreign employees already in the country, including those whose permits had expired.

Ahmad Zahid who is the home minister, said the issue of importing 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers could be considered as closed.  He said employers or agents who were found guilty of protecting illegal foreign workers would be subjected to whipping under the Immigration Act and Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.

Ahmad Zahid suggested that employers who wanted to hire foreign workers should submit their applications to the Malaysian Employers Federation; Malaysian Trades Union Congress, and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.

Ahmad Zahid said employers and recruitment agents would be dealt with more severely. However, the decision would not involve the domestic help or the maid sector.