FOREIGN professionals and expatriates working in Sarawak no longer need to renew their work permits every year.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala said this following the Sarawak government’s relaxation of the validity period of the permit to five years directly.
“The recommendations that have been implemented through the consideration of the Localisation Committee are specific to professionals and experts in the field of ‘Digital Scientist’ and technical experts who work in the energy industry and digital sector in Sarawak,” he said in response to Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian’s question regarding the status of the proposed five-year work permit at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) meeting on Today (Nov 22).
However, he pointed out that each application would be considered according to the criteria set by giving priority to professionals and experts who can contribute to the development and economy of Sarawak.
“The criteria for applying for a five-year work permit for professionals and experts is that the applicant must be an expert and has a recognised academic qualification.
“Next is work experience in a related field, having a work contract of not less than five years and a basic salary of not less than RM3,000.”
He revealed that the application should be submitted to the nearest Sarawak Immigration office for processing and then presented to the Localisation Committee for consideration and decision.
To answer Baru’s additional question regarding the strategic sector to be implemented with this digital system, Gerawat stated that it involved the digital sector and the energy industry sector.
