By IANS,
New Delhi : India and Malaysia Saturday inked an agreement for improvement in the conditions of recruitment of their workers in each
other’s country.
The MoU was signed by Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and the Malaysian Human Resources Minister S. Subramaniam here.
“The agreement sets out the broad procedure for employment of workers and outlines the responsibilities of the employees, workers and recruitment agencies. India and Malaysia agreed to facilitate employment of workers between the two countries and promote orderly recruitment and deployment of workers,” said a statement.
“The two governments will work together on pre-departure orientation and skill upgradation training. They have also agreed for protection and welfare of all categories of workers under the labour and other laws of the host country,” the statement said.
The two countries will constitute a joint working group (JWG) to implement the MoU and review employment opportunities and availability of corresponding skills in both countries.
The group will also explore new avenues for cooperation in the field of labour and manpower development for mutual benefit.
The JWG consisting of at least three members from each country will meet twice a year, alternatively in India and Malaysia.
Malaysia is an important destination for Indian workers. According to official estimates, there are approximately 150,000 Indian workers in Malaysia.
Most of the Indian workers are employed in the plantation and construction sectors.