The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has hailed the Government decision to issue work permits to refugees in Malaysia, calling it a “major step” towards improving the welfare of asylum seekers.
“This positive step is also in line with the consistent call made by the Commission over the years calling for greater protection for the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers in this country,” said its commissioner Tan Sri Hasmy Agam.
Hasmy said that the Commission has, in the past, received numerous complaints pertaining to the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers.
These complaints, in particular, involves "the deprivation of basic rights to access employment, formal education and healthcare services".
In respect of employment, the refugees often suffer from exploitation by some employers due to their status and the absence of work permits, said Hasmy.
“In this regard, the Commission hopes that, in allowing the refugees to work, the Government will also provide safeguards to protect the refugee workers from any forms of exploitation by the employers,” he added.
However, the Commission said that it hoped that the Government, as a member of the UN and Human Rights Council, will continue to work closely with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to further improve of the plight of refugees and the protection of their basic human rights.
“We hope the Government will take incremental steps towards accession to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees,” said Hasmy.
Yesterday, the Home Ministry said that refugees will be given training so that they will be able to work in Malaysia.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the ministry was working with UNHCR and the Immigration Department to devise plans on providing training and jobs for the refugees.
Bernama reported that the UNHCR cards will be upgraded to include radio frequency identification (RFID) technology so refugees can be tracked via satellite. It will also serve as a debit card as well as prevent forgery, according to Ahmad Zahid.
Currently, refugees recognised by the UNHCR are only allowed to work on an unofficial basis by doing odd-jobs. 104,070 refugees in Malaysia held the UNHCR card while 50,000 did not.
Teoh El Sen
Fri Jul 12 2013
-filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.