CNI News
7 January 2024

Undocumented foreign migrant workers in Malaysia might be arrested until around March, philanthropic organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.

 Arrests have been conducted with a lot of force since mid December, 2023 and the arrests like this might exist until around March, Ko Thet, chairman of Lovely Heart Philanthropic Youths Blood Donation Organization, told CNI News.

" Some migrant workers arrived in Malaysia recently for many reasons. Some have applied for residence permit books. But they haven't got the books yet. Some have applied for the books. But they don't have enough money. Some can't apply for the residence permit books because they have no jobs and they can't afford. All of them must be careful. You have to ask those who were in Malaysia earlier than you. In my opinion, many arrests probably will be around March." he said.

Arrests like this were rampant for the first time and they looked like a war and were scary, Myanmar citizens in Malaysia told CNI News.

While the arrests are currently being conducted, many Myanmar citizens are entering Malaysia through Thailand illegally daily. So, he wished them to stop entering like that, Hmwar Michael staying in Malaysia told CNI News.

" The period during which registration can be made has expired. There are arrests daily. I don't want undocumented workers to come to Malaysia through illegal channels. I want legal workers and the UNHCR card holders to work and stay in harmony with their environment." he said.

Myanmar nationals are among the most arrested and they have been arrested by the hundred reportedly.

Moreover, among those arrested were permit card holders and  they could be released sooner or later depending on their employers.

If Myanmar refugee card holders were arrested, because the UNHCR's reply whether those arrested were real refugee card holders was delayed, the refugees were staying in the detention camps, according to the people who are helping in the affairs of refugees.