6th April 2024: FGV says only 2,101 foreign workers experienced delays in permit renewal – FGV foreign workers complain they cannot resign or go home, but FGV management blames Malaysian immigration department for delays post COVID-19

The agri-business and food company blames a backlog at the immigration department for the delay

Original Source: FMT by K. Parkaran – 6th April 2024

PETALING JAYA: FGV Holdings Bhd has dismissed claims that 10,000 of its foreign workers have experienced delays in the renewal of their work permits, saying only 2,101 employees were affected.

The agri-business and food company said the delay was due to a backlog in the processing of applications and the issuance of check-out memos by the immigration department for workers to return home.

“FGV is working closely with the immigration department to expedite the renewals and issuance of check-out memos.

“We expect to resolve it by the fourth quarter of this year. This delay is the leading cause of why affected migrant workers were not able to return home for vacation,” FGV told FMT.

FGV also denied retaining the passports and personal documents of its workers, saying employees are given individual lockers for the safekeeping of these papers.

“Passports are taken temporarily when required for official processes such as work permit renewals, and this is done with the workers’ written acknowledgement,” it said.

NGOs and activist Andy Hall recently claimed that 10,000 passports belonging to FGV workers were being held by immigration pending the renewal of their work permits.

The workers also complained that the company had prevented them from returning home after completing their contract.

The workers, mostly from India and Bangladesh, said they have worked in Malaysia for about five years and have not returned home to see their families since reporting for work.

FGV said workers are entitled to terminate their contracts at any time to return home.

“The process involves obtaining a check-out memo from the immigration department, which is subject to their processing capacity and can result in some delays. FGV also engages regularly with the authorities to address the matter,” it said.

It also denied claims by the workers that the “Suara Kami” complaint mechanism was ineffective and lacked confidentiality.

It said the app empowered workers to submit their grievances in their preferred language either through voice recording or text message, and allowed the option of anonymous submission.

“We have established multiple channels for workers to raise concerns, including an app, hotline and direct communication options. All grievances are investigated by our grievance management department following our policies and SOPs,” it said.

FGV also said that it took Hall’s allegations seriously, especially those concerning its labour practices.

“We are dedicated to upholding human rights and adhering to labour standards,” it said.

Additional Reading:

See also additional updated article – FMT 15th Apr 2024: Permits for FGV’s foreign workers renewed, only 549 pending levy payment