I can understand why governmental and non-governmental bodies review their rules and regulations from time to time to evaluate and enhance their performance. The goal is to provide the best service to the public by reducing bureaucratic procedures.
However, what I don’t understand is the logic behind the recent decision by the Passport Department to reduce the duration of the re-entry visa for expatriate workers from six to two months. No official explanation or justification was given for the move. With the exception of a few comments and analyses by local journalists, there was no clarification of the matter.
Some commentators said the decision would help end the practice of some sponsors of looking for illegal workers to compensate for the long absence of their employees who go on extended vacation.
Others argued the decision could serve as an indication of the actual need of foreign workers sought by employers, and help curb trading in seasonal workers who are brought to the country for a limited period and then sent back when their utility runs out.
It is also said that the decision would limit the illegal trade in work visas.
All this is mere speculation. We have not been told anything by the department itself.
Businessmen bring in foreign workers to do specific jobs. They secure permission from the relevant authorities to do so only after meeting certain conditions and paying the prescribed fees.
I personally don’t see any harm in businessmen hiring workers on a temporary basis as long as these workers reside legally in the country. Likewise, I don’t see any harm in recruiting seasonal workers who, after doing the job they were brought to do, leave the country at the end of the season.
Allowing foreign workers to stay unemployed for long periods may prove more harmful than sending them back on long vacation. It may create more problems than would be caused by hiring seasonal workers on a temporary basis.
I don’t see how the decision could curtail trading in work visas. Maybe the department could come forward and provide us with an explanation to clear the air.
