Still gathering evidence on UNHCR card allegations - Hamzah

 

The Home Ministry is still gathering evidence on allegations that non-refugees were given refugee status cards by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin also said the ministry has yet to hold discussions with UNHCR on the matter.

He said the ministry is gathering more evidence to confirm the issue was not merely confined to only one or two parties.

“If there is a lot (of evidence), they would then not be able to say anything. There is something that (they) may be hiding from us and this (evidence gathering) is what we are doing now.

“I will make a decision when the time comes… it is better for those who want to stay in our country to comply with our laws,” he told reporters at an event in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said Malaysia is an independent country and all parties should have confidence in its laws.

Meanwhile, Hamzah said the Home Ministry is still responsible for foreign workers’ safety even though the entry quota for the group is now under the Human Resources Ministry.

“For example, foreigners who work as maids in which safety is their own responsibility. But who ensures their safety?

“Others would not know, except for the Home Ministry through the police and Immigration who will assist if issues arise. The same goes with the security sector involving foreign security guards,” he said.

“If an employer gets a quota by wanting to bring in 100 foreigners, he has to pay a levy to the Immigration and then key in the (details) into our system.

“If the foreigners are blacklisted in our country, we will not approve the Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS). If they pass, we will stamp the visa with the PLKS and issue them a card for them to work in the country,” he said.

- Bernama