KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has been urged to demonstrate consistency in its stance on undocumented migrants if it wants to convince them to come forward for free Covid-19 vaccination.
These migrants, comprising illegal foreign workers, as well as refugees and asylum seekers, continue to be victimised despite the government’s various initiatives meant to improve their lives here, activist Adrian Pereira told The Vibes.
He cited as an example migrants’ treatment under the immigration recalibration programme launched last November.
The programme is aimed at legalising this group to allow them to work in the country, he said, but the government’s efforts come across as insincere, as the authorities continue to carry out raids and related actions.
Given this, “who among the undocumented workers, refugees and asylum seekers would want to attempt to register for legalisation”, asked Pereira, who is executive director of the North-South Initiative, which seeks to empower marginalised and disenfranchised communities.
“The government that plans to legalise them, ends up detaining and deporting them instead.”
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who also heads coordination efforts under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, has announced that all foreigners in Malaysia will be inoculated against the coronavirus at no charge.
It was reported that the government has agreed to roll out the immunisation drive at month-end.
Priority will be accorded to citizens, and the schedule for foreigners will be announced at a later date.
Pereira said the government has to be consistent in its stand on human rights if it wishes to earn the trust of undocumented migrants and have them participate in its initiatives.
“The government should also not attempt to deal with Myanmar’s military by planning to deport asylum seekers and refugees.
“Other countries are trying to impose sanctions, and have condemned the illegitimate (military) government (in Myanmar) due to the coup. They are also accepting asylum seekers and refugees from Myanmar, while Malaysia seems to recognise the junta.
“On one hand, Malaysia wants to be part of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with Wisma Putra working very hard towards this. But, the Home Ministry has an opposing view.”
He added that Putrajaya’s inconsistencies will affect investors’ confidence in the nation.
Irene Xavier, the executive director of Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor, which is engaged in furthering the rights of women workers, echoed Pereira’s sentiments and concerns.
While Khairy’s announcement is laudable, she said, the different stances taken by the various ministries only translate into more uncertainty for foreign workers without papers.
“The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry now assures free vaccinations for undocumented migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees, in the name of humanity. The Human Resources Ministry has launched its recalibration programme for legalisation.
“But, the Home Ministry seems to run a government within a government, conducting raids and deportations. They neither listen to civil society nor act in line with the stances of other ministries.
“In the end, all the government does is confirm the fears of undocumented migrant workers.” – The Vibes, February 13, 2021
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