ASEAN: Singapore to contribute US$200,000 to help irregular immigrants

The Singapore government said it noted with concern the situation concerning irregular migration in the Indian Ocean and will make an initial US$200,000 through ASEAN as humanitarian assistance.

A statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Singapore hailed the outcome of the ministerial meeting on Irregular Movement of People in Southeast Asia, held on Wednesday in Putrajaya, between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

This is in particular Malaysia and Indonesia’s agreement to offer these irregular migrants temporary shelter.

MFA said the Singapore government also noted the call by Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for the international community to contribute the necessary support to them in addressing the problem.

In this regard, Singapore would make an initial contribution of US$200,000 through ASEAN to support such efforts by the three countries, it said.

MFA said the Singapore government was prepared to consider further assistance if there were specific requests.