New Delhi, Jan.3 India and Malaysia on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for improving recruitment and working condition of employees.

Indian Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and the Malaysian Human Resources Minister Dato Dr. S. Subramaniam signed the MoU in New Delhi.

"It is a major milestone in our friendship mark towards the protection of Indian workers going abroad and of course it will further strengthen relation between Malaysia and India," said Ravi.

The broad procedure for employment of workers and the responsibilities of employees, workers and recruitment agencies are outlined in the agreement.

With the signing of MoU both the nations have agreed to facilitate orderly recruitment and deployment of workers.

The two governments will work together on pre-departure orientation and upgrading of skills.

They have also agreed for protection and welfare of all categories of workers under the labour and other laws of the host country.

A joint working group (JWG) would be set up to implement the MoU and review employment opportunities and availability of corresponding skills in both countries.

"This joint committee will work out the administrative details of how are we are going to implement the spirit of intentions of this memorandum of understanding. Hope with this we will have a sufficiently strong legal framework to ensure such recruitment is done in ordinary manner and any problems which might arise could be resolved on the basis of suitable systems and mechanics which will be set up by the joint committee," said Subramaniam.

The group will also explore new avenues for cooperation in the field of labour and manpower development for mutual benefit.

The JWG consisting of at least three members from each Government will meet twice a year, alternatively in India and Malaysia.

Malaysia is an important destination for Indian workers. According to official estimates of the Malaysian Government, there are approximately 150,000 Indian workers in Malaysia, out of about 2 million foreign workers there.

Most of the Indian workers work in the plantation and construction sectors. During 2007, about 30,916 workers immigrated to Malaysia after obtaining emigration clearance.(ANI)