Sources said this marked a significant shift as the OSC, which handles critical processes such as quota applications and reductions, extension of conditional approval letters, employer changes, levy payment extensions and sector transfers, would no longer come under the Human Resources Ministry.

This includes the interview process for foreign worker quota applications.

Sources said the reason for the move was to streamline the process and make it easier for employers to recruit foreign workers as the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System is under the Home Ministry.

It is understood this decision came following cabinet approval in June.

Former human resources minister V. Sivakumar had announced the transfer of purview in December 2022. This came six months after the previous administration led by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob moved the OSC to the Human Resources Ministry, a move widely praised at the time.

On June 5 last year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Home Ministry would be the main custodian for management of foreign workers.

He said the Human Resources Ministry’s role in labour policy compliance, determining quota eligibility and working with source countries would be strengthened.

In a recent update on social media, the Human Resources Ministry announced that its Foreign Worker Management Division had been dissolved and its functions transferred to the Home Ministry from Aug 1.

The NST has contacted both ministries for comment.