About 3,600 Malaysians overseas have returned - TalentCorp

has brought home some 3,600 Malaysians back to our shores in the last four years through its Returning Expert (REP).

A total of 5,600 has applied for the . There are more than 300,000 Malaysians living and working abroad in developing countries.

chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican denied that the REP's progress is poor despite the low number.

Johan said that the approved applicants that qualify for the REP may like 'a drop in the ocean' but the efforts to 'satisfy' the demands of these is an enormous feat.

"The REP is not a to attract anyone and everyone. It is targeted to assets abroad that has valuable international experience to give back to our nation," stressed Johan.

"We have noted the recommendations from the 2015 World Bank report and will continue to address the main reasons Malaysians choose to live salary concerns, opportunity for career growth and livability of our country." he told Astro AWANI.

The REP which acts as a tool to attract Malaysians back offers on chargeable employment income for a period of 5 consecutive years. The also promises to expedite foreign spouse and eligibility for Permanent Resident status. REP also gives tax exemption on one car per successful applicant up to RM150,000.

According to TalentCorp's data, Malaysians abroad who has applied for the are working abroad Singapore, China, United Kingdom, Australia, America and Qatar. Their background across industries from the business sectors, oil, gas & energy, financial services and the communication, content & infrastructure sectors.

also companies leveraging on the REP include Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, Malayan Banking Berhad, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Malaysia and Schlumberger (M) Sdn Bhd.

The government has pledged its commitment to revise the REP to remain relevant to those who intend to apply.