KUALA LUMPUR - Employers have been warned to renew permission to hire migrant workers by December 26, which is the final day for renewals.

Deputy Government Spokeswomen, Lalida Prertwiwattana said Friday is the last day employers can renew approval to hire workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam under a Cabinet decision made on Nov 11.

She said employers can submit their renewal applications online until 11.59pm on Friday.

She also said the first group covered under the measure includes migrant workers who entered and are working without valid permits, including those affected by unrest in Myanmar.

The second group involves workers who previously held work permits but were unable to renew them before expiry, she added. 

The third group covers workers urgently needed by employers to address serious labour shortages, especially in the fisheries sector.