In a statement, the ministry said only companies given appointment numbers would be allowed to attend the interview sessions according to the dates given to them.

Yesterday, it was reported that employers had to join long queues for interviews and many of those who turned up on a walk-in basis at Complex D of the ministry were turned away.

The interview sessions involved 300 employers, with half of them turning up on a walk-in basis and the other half with appointments.

“Among the factors which caused the congestion was the big number of applications received after the country reopened its doors to foreign workers following a two-year closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Reapplications from employers who received a lower quota than what they applied for also contributed to an increase in the number of applications,” the statement said.

Therefore, the ministry urged employers to bring in the approved number of foreign workers first before submitting fresh applications.

The ministry said it would continue to improve its service, adding that it welcomed suggestions to enhance it.