COMMENT | Promote and protect rights of migrant workers
COMMENT | In commemorating the International Migrants Day, which falls on Dec 18 every year, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) would like to reiterate its call for the government and business entities to promote and protect the rights of migrant workers in the country, in line with the international human rights standards.
Earlier in July this year, the Human Resources Ministry has indicated that there are approximately 2.1 million documented migrant workers in the country. However, there is no clear data on the number of undocumented migrant workers in the country.
Over the years, Suhakam has received numerous complaints on the alleged human rights violations faced by migrant workers.
Most of the complaints were related to, among others, forced labour, h...
COMMENT | In commemorating the International Migrants Day, which falls on Dec 18 every year, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) would like to reiterate its call for the government and business entities to promote and protect the rights of migrant workers in the country, in line with the international human rights standards.
Earlier in July this year, the Human Resources Ministry has indicated that there are approximately 2.1 million documented migrant workers in the country. However, there is no clear data on the number of undocumented migrant workers in the country.
Over the years, Suhakam has received numerous complaints on the alleged human rights violations faced by migrant workers.
Most of the complaints were related to, among others, forced labour, human trafficking, unpaid wages, withholding of identification documents, delays in the renewal of work permits, unlawful dismissal, alleged mistreatment and death at workplace.
The vulnerability of the migrant workers, especially those who are undocumented, was further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Due to the pandemic, many migrant workers have lost their jobs and income and in turn faced challenges in accessing healthcare, food and other necessities.
The migrant workers did not have access to government assistance and food aid as these were only provided for Malaysian citizens.
Most of the migrant workers live in kongsi house were in some cases there were around 40-80 other occupants in one house, and such crowded living condition has put them at a higher risk of Covid-19 infection.
While the government has provided free health screening for migrant workers, most undocumented migrant workers are still reluctant to come forward to undergo medical treatment due to the ingrained fear of being arrested by the authorities.
Suhakam has recently adopted its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and one of the strategic objectives in the plan is to advance the economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) of the vulnerable groups in Malaysia, including migrant workers.
Under the Strategic Plan, Suhakam will undertake a number of activities including the review of the relevant laws, research and promotional activities to increase the public’s awareness on ESCR issues affecting the vulnerable groups in the country.
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