A royal commission on migrant workers is long overdue as abuse and exploitation of this group has been continuously overlooked by the government, said Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez.

“We have been asking for a royal commission of inquiry since 1995. Also, the government has yet to conduct any form of study to streamline the operations of the migrant workers,” she said.

Today, Amnesty International Malaysia (AI-M) launched the first comprehensive review of the exploitation of migrant workers in Malaysia, and reiterated the call for a commission to be set up.

NONE Speaking at the launch in Petaling Jaya, Fernandez (far right in photo) spoke of  “institutionalised exploitation” by the government and the denial of access to justice to migrant workers who have lodged employment-related complaints.

“Once the migrant worker leaves (the employer), his work permit is cancelled and he is only allowed to apply to stay for a maximum of three months for the judicial process.

“But this is ridiculous as the judicial process is not controlled by the worker. This has caused many to return (home) without any recourse.”

What is most worrying, she said, is that the government had not taken steps to address the root causes of problems.

AI-M executive director Nora Murat said the research was carried out because of frequent complaints in the media about the predicament of migrant workers.

The report is based on a month-long study conducted in July last year by four AI members. More than 200 documented and undocumented interviews were conducted.

The delegation had also access to three detention facilities, and meetings with government officials, employers, recruitment agents and other stakeholders.

A copy of the report has been sent to the Home Ministry. A meeting is scheduled to be held tomorrow to discuss the issues raised.

Instances of abuse

The 100-page report highlights the blatant abuse of migrant workers by agents, employers and even Rela and police officers.

Extortion, sexual abuse, confiscation of passports, forced labour, human trafficking and corruption feature among the many allegations.

NONE Among the recommendations are that the government should investigate complaints of ill treatment, extortion or other wrongdoing by police or Rela officers.

The government should ensure that places of detention, including immigration depots, comply with minimum international standards.

Human rights protection should also be strengthened in the memoranda of understanding signed with sending countries, the report said.