"We do have some problems with regard to foreign students.
"We are currently in discussions with the Education Ministry to adopt the biometric identity card with security features such as barcode and RIFD chip for foreign students here," he told reporters at a press conference in Parliament lobby.
He said the identify card would serve as the students traveling permit when in the country rather than the students having to carry passports where ever they go.
"Several countries, namely Saudi Arab, Yemen and several Middle East countries have indicated interest in adopting such a card for their students students here," he added.
Based on ministry's records, there were some 80,000 international students in the country last year. The aim is to attract 200,000 foreign students by 2020.
In a related issue, Ahmad Zahid said that a pilot project is currently underway to implement the biometric identity card for the 2.116mil foreign workers in the country by the end of next year.
He added that cards would be issued according to the sectors employing the foreign workers to allow immigration officials to keep tabs.
"By end of next year, all foreign workers will carry the identity card and there will be no compromise.
"We have informed the respective embassies that those without the card would be deported," he said.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Martin Carvalho
Quelle/Source: The Star Online, 30.10.2013
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