Recognise contributions of migrants to Malaysia

EVERY year on Dec 18, the Malaysian Bar commemorates International Migrants Day to reflect on the contributions of migrants worldwide

Migrants serve as powerful drivers of the economy in destination countries, including Malaysia, as workers and students, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills with them.

The theme this year, “Promo-ting Safe Migration”, calls on countries to affirm their commitment to upholding human rights for all migrants, regardless of their legal status. The aim is to combat xenophobia and endorse laws condemning the exploitation of migrant workers as a vulnerable community.

As of 2022, the Department of Statistics Malaysia recorded about 2.2 million documented migrant workers in Malaysia. The unofficial number of undocumented migrants is reported to be in the range of 1.2 to 3.5 million, making Malaysia one of the largest migrant-receiving countries in South-East Asia.

Challenges faced by migrants, especially those who are undocumented and in low-skilled and semi-skilled jobs, peaked during the Covid-19 pandemic and movement lockdowns; and even after the pandemic, they continue to face exploitation, including restrictions on movement, passport retention, non-payment for work, and mistreatment in the workplace while also having difficulties accessing affordable healthcare services.

The Malaysian Bar notes the recent efforts taken by the government, in particular reshuffling the Cabinet, resulting in the appointment of a new Human Resources Minister and Deputy Minister; and declassifying a 2019 report by the Independent Committee on the Management of Foreign Workers.

In this month in which International Migrants Day is marked, the Malaysian Bar calls on the government to adopt and immediately implement the recommendations from the 2019 report of the Independent Com-mittee on the Management of Foreign Workers that was issued by the Human Resources Ministry, namely to:

> Revamp the current foreign workers management system and implement a coherent set of policies within a strategic framework.

> Establish a single authority responsible for formulating and implementing such policies relating to migrants, including documented and undocumented foreign workers, expatriates, foreign spouses, and students.

> Introduce and regulate a central programme for undocumented foreign workers to be managed by the Human Resources Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry.

> Enact legislation to impose or otherwise increase penalties on employers who knowingly employ undocumented foreign workers.

> Establish a proper system to regulate the status and rights of stateless persons, refugees, and asylum seekers.

We all have a responsibility to ensure that migrants are treated with dignity and afforded basic rights when in Malaysia. It is time to recognise the contributions of migrants to the Malaysian economy and effectively address the many challenges they face.

KAREN CHEAH YEE LYNN

President

Malaysian Bar