Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan says the government wants to make it easier for Malaysian talent overseas to return, with more than 400,000 jobs currently listed on MYFutureJobs.
Malaysians working and living abroad are being encouraged to consider coming home and putting their experience and expertise to use locally.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government welcomes Malaysians overseas who wish to return, adding that several initiatives are already available to make the process easier.
Speaking at the Salam Dari Malaysia @ Jakarta programme, Ramanan said these include the Returning Expert Programme (REP) under TalentCorp and the MYFutureJobs portal managed by PERKESO.
MYFutureJobs currently lists more than 400,000 job opportunities, according to the ministry.
‘We must make it easier’
Ramanan said asking Malaysians to return would mean little if the process itself remained too complicated.
He said the ministry’s principle was to facilitate their return rather than create more obstacles.
If we want Malaysian talent to return, we must make it easier, not make it more difficult.”
He added that the government did not want Malaysians overseas to give up on returning simply because the process was too troublesome.
REP processing time shortened
During the event, Ramanan also launched new guidelines for applications for an Entry Permit under the REP category.
The guidelines were developed together with the Immigration Department and are intended to make the process clearer and more structured.
The estimated processing period has also been reduced from around six months to four months or less.
The REP was first introduced in 2001 and has been managed by TalentCorp since 2011 to help Malaysian professionals abroad return home.
Coming home involves more than just a job
Ramanan acknowledged that deciding to return to Malaysia is not always straightforward.
He said Malaysians overseas may have careers, spouses, children in school and other family commitments to consider.
Because of this, the government needs to look beyond the individual and consider the wider needs of their families when encouraging skilled Malaysians to return.
Malaysians abroad can still contribute
Ramanan also stressed that Malaysians do not necessarily have to return immediately to contribute to the country.
Those with expertise, connections or business opportunities overseas can still help open doors for Malaysian companies and talent.
“Even if you are abroad, the experience you have gained here can still benefit Malaysians.”
Earlier this year, Ramanan also said attracting Malaysians home would require more than just matching overseas salaries, with Malaysia needing stronger career opportunities, training and a better overall ecosystem for skilled workers.
For now, the government says the focus is on making the path home simpler for Malaysians who are ready to return.
