Gov't may allow undocumented migrants at immigration depots be hired

Putrajaya is planning to allow employers to hire undocumented migrant workers held at immigration depots.

Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin said this in an interview with The Star, saying that these foreigners may get a chance to be hired legally.

Hamzah said the plan is still in its early stage and that the ministry has to discuss it with relevant agencies notably the Immigration Department.

“This is all in the planning. We need to discuss the plan with the Immigration Department authorities and other agencies to see if this is actually possible,” he said.

Hamzah (below) added: "The plan is to allow employers to look for prospective employees among undocumented migrants who are being held at immigration depots.

“This is one way for us to ensure that foreigners are hired legally to work in Malaysia.”

He stressed that those with criminal records will not be allowed to be hired.

He noted the high cost of bringing in foreign labour from their country of origin, which includes paying the agents.

From January to June 15, the Immigration Department had picked up 17,226 undocumented migrants in its operations.

A total of 243 employers were also arrested for employing foreign workers illegally. - Mkini