Registering undocumented migrants and allowing them to work will profit Malaysia

An interesting solution would be to register all undocumented migrants who are employed. MIC Youth has also made such a proposal... Maybe, their concern was for those missing Indian nationals, but it is a suggestion that could be used for all undocumented migrants.

Migrants from Burma, who have fled their country which is under military dictatorship, to escape persecution or just to earn a better living should maybe be given special consideration. There are , according to my estimation, an estimated 600,000 - 700,000 undocumented migrants from Burma in Malaysia today. This also will be reflected by the fact that one of the biggest group in our Detention Centres are from Burma.

This proposal to register them as workers is also economically feasible, as Malaysia now spends about RM30-00 per migrant per day in the detention centres.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said the government also had to shoulder expenditure of RM30 a day for every illegal immigrant held at immigration depots.

"This covers the daily cost and treatment cost only, and not medical cost. The cost of air, sea and land charges is borne by the government," he said when replying to a question from Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri (PKR-Bagan Serai). Star, 10/12/2009, Parliament: RM30mil spent to send back 154,729 illegals

In terms of taxation, maybe Malaysia should definitely start taxing these migrant workers and this will be a definite income. Currently, taxes are paid to sending countries - and maybe, this policy must change, and Malaysia should tax income made by workers (Malaysian or migrant) who work and earn in Malaysia. Taxation pays for public utilities and amenities, and the migrants should also be given full and equal access to all these amenities, including healthcare.

MIC Youth has asked the Government to come out with a clemency programme to register the missing foreigners working illegally in the country.

Youth chief T. Mohan said the Government could legalise them and allow them to be employed by local companies in need of workers.

“It would be pointless to deport them. We should think of ways to get them to come out, register and be legal workers in the country,” he said yesterday.

He said these illegal workers would not take up the offer if they were required to pay a hefty fine or leave the country.

“We feel a minimal fine and a condition to allow them to work legally in Malaysia for a three-year term would be an attractive incentive,” he said.

Mohan said the Government would also benefit from the levy imposed on the workers.

He was commenting on reports that there were nearly 40,000 Indian citizens missing in Malaysia after their tourist visas expired.

Mohan urged the Government to set up a special committee to identify the reasons for the high number of missing foreigners in the country and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.- Star, 18/1/2010, MIC Youth: Register missing foreign workers