Immigration dept probes scalpers preying on migrant worker applicants

The Immigration Department will probe allegations that scalpers are taking advantage of employers making migrant worker applications at the PKNS Shah Alam Complex.

Immigration Director-General Ruslin Jusoh said the department is well aware of reports that scalpers were preying on employers of migrant workers, and they will investigate this matter.

“A few employers claim that strangers approached them and offered them an appointment number (to cut ahead in the queue).

“Our department takes this allegation seriously.

“We will take action to investigate and track individuals as alleged,” Ruslin Jusoh told Malaysiakini today.

However, Ruslin denied the involvement of immigration officers with the scalpers.

“The appointment number is controlled and filtered by the officers to make sure only legitimate employers go to counters,” he said.

Ruslin was responding to Malaysiakini’s report on Monday that scalpers were preying on employers of migrant workers or their representatives, who are compelled to wait in long queues at the migrant workers’ unit.

According to him, Shah Alam Immigration Department cannot patrol the whole premises as they share it with the PKNS shopping mall.

Every morning, the entrances at the premises are packed with people queuing to enter once PKNS security guards open the doors.

The businesses that employers can do online are the EPLKS pass renewal (temporary work visit pass), EPAS (employment pass), and payment for EPLKS.

Still, other businesses require that the employers go to Immigration Department.

According to Immigration Department, the appointment numbers are assigned based on optimal capacity counter operations, system operations, and officers on duty daily.

Improvements

Stricter control for appointment numbers will be put in place.

Ruslin adds there will be stricter control for appointment numbers to prevent irresponsible people from taking advantage.

“The officers will filter and place a particular mark above the appointment number and forms brought by the employers to ensure only legitimate employers can receive the department's service.

“Employers who fail to show the appointment number and have documents without the (appropriate) mark will be declined.

“We will investigate the source of the appointment number,” Ruslin assured.

He also said the Selangor Immigration Department and PKNS will collaborate to increase patrols to ensure no one infiltrates the Immigration Department office and PKNS. - Mkini