Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
"We are concerned that thousands of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia
could be at risk of arrest, detention or deportation during the crackdown, which
will be backed up by a half-million strong civil volunteer force," said
Ron Redmond, a spokesman for the UNHCR.
<p>Malaysia announced earlier this month that it will round up and deport mainly
Indonesian illegal immigrants from March 1, marking the end of an amnesty which
has twice been extended at Indonesia’s request. </p>
<p>The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said it had received assurances
"from the highest levels of the Malaysian government" that about 47,000
refugees or asylum seekers it was dealing with would not be affected. </p>
<p>They include ethnic groups from Burma and people who have fled the internal
conflict in Indonesia’s Aceh province. </p>
<p>The UNHCR said it had set up "informal" arrangements with police
and civil volunteer force, including an operation room they can call to check
if those caught in the sweep are entitled to protection. </p>
<p>Monitoring has also been stepped up, as well as registration of hundreds of
refugees in more isolated areas, it added. – AFP
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com