DAP claims that employing refugees has more advantages than importing foreign workers, including stemming the outflow of ringgit.

Party national labour bureau chief A Sivanesan is echoing the call of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) to allow refugees to work in labour-strapped organisations instead of importing foreign workers.

m moorthy 301205 a sivanesan Sivanesan ( left ) believes refugees are more disciplined, more productive and can be contained during their transit period in Malaysia before they are resettled in other third countries.

Besides containing the outflow of the ringgit that is common when employing foreign workers, engaging refugees will reduce the cost of sustaining their stay in the country.

"Another plus point is there will be no social ills and problems like criminal activities which occur when we employee foreign workers. especially Indonesians," he said.

 According to Sivanesan there are 73,300 refugees registered with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and another 20,000 illegals in the country.

‘ Follow India's example'

During a recent three-day visit to some of the 13 refugee camps located in Southern India, Sivanesan observed that the Indian government gives the head of each of the refugee family Indian Rupees 400 monthly with the wife receiving IR 280.

Such families are also entitled to subsidies in essential food items, allowed to find employment and their children are assured of education during their transit period in India.

Such refugees enjoy all the benefits that an Indian citizen enjoys except citizenship.

Sivanesan suggests that the Malaysian government adopt similar measures to contribute to the country's economy.