India asks Malaysia to clarify on job ban reports

India asks Malaysia to clarify on job ban reports

India Wednesday sought clarification from the Malaysian government on the reported freeze on recruitment of Indian workers in that country.

From correspondents in Delhi, India, 9 Jan 2008 5:00 PM - (www.indiaenews.com)

India Wednesday sought clarification from the Malaysian government on the reported freeze on recruitment of Indian workers in that country.

'Surely, it is a matter of concern. We have sought clarification from the Malaysian government,' Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma told reporters here when asked to comment on the reported ban.

'Our high commissioner is in touch with authorities in Malaysia. Given the seriousness of the situation, we are waiting for the Malaysian government to issue a clarification,' he said.

Sharma refused to comment further saying it is a very sensitive issue and he would rather wait for a clarification.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was scheduled to meet Malaysian Minister S. Samy Vellu, who is here to attend the sixth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The controversy was sparked off after a religious group in Malaysia claimed Hindu priests and temple workers were being denied permission to work in the Muslim-majority nation, a report said Wednesday.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Taoism (MCCBCHT) says the immigration department has stopped issuing work permits to foreign priests, temple musicians and sculptors.

Vellu Tuesday denied his country had banned the recruitment of Indian workers.

(© IANS)



http://www.indiaenews.com/nri/20080109/90564.htm