Foreign maids who have worked continuously for 10 years in the country are required to return to their home country for six months before they can re-apply for a work permit.
Home Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Mahmood Adam said the six-month period was necessary to “break” the maids’ stay as those who worked continuously would be eligible
to apply for permanent resident status after 10 years.
He said this was a normal practice that was not restricted to maids, but also other foreign workers. “However, those who want to appeal for a shorter period can do so.”
Mahmood said there would be no problem in a healthy maid getting a new work permit if she was aged not below 21 and not over 45.
Those who have committed an offence may not get their new permits. By Masami Mustaza
