Malaysia moves to tighten rules for expats, raising fears of talent flight

Malaysia’s government plans to slash the number of foreign workers to encourage local hiring and raise incomes.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Until recently, Sanjeet, a business consultant from India, thought of Malaysia as home.

After living and working in the Southeast Asian nation for more than a decade, he had gotten comfortable with the climate, people and way of life.

“Once I had crossed the five-year mark, Malaysia seemed like an ideal long-term choice,” Sanjeet, who is in his 40s and asked to use a pseudonym, told Al Jazeera.

“One gets used to what Malaysia has to offer.”

But after a recent move by the Malaysian government to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers, Sanjeet’s plans – and those of thousands like him – have been plunged into doubt.