The Manpower Recalibration Programme or MRP is a Malaysian government initiative in aiming to regularize and standardize the status of undocumented and illegal immigrants in the country as legally employed foreign workers, with a valid job offer from a qualified employer and settling any outstanding immigration-related fines. Its aim is to realign and enhance the capabilities and relevance of the workforce with the current and future needs of Malaysia’s economy.
The program is a collaboration with related government agencies, such as Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) and Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Semenanjung Malaysia (JTKSM). It is a balanced situation for both employers and workers, with workers being legalized working in Malaysia and employers have access to a legal and regulated workforce. The program has closed its phase, for RTK 2.0 on March 2024 and will soon be announced by the government for any further opening opportunity in the future. Additionally, the issuance of work permits, Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara (PLKS) will cease on June 2024.
The eligibility of this program are for employees from certain sectors, such as Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture, Service and Plantation sectors. A limited quota is being put by JTKSM and the employers who is participating must be in compliance with the conditions related to employment of foreign workers, including levy payments, pass eligibility and so on. Any foreigners who fail to register to work legally and employers who hire foreign workers without valid documents will be deemed to have committed an offense under the Immigration Act 1959 (Amendment 2002)
