AMNESTY for foreigners working illegally in the country has been a regular exercise over the years. That it has not stopped is a sure sign that authorities know there are many illegal aliens working in this country, and that they are able to find a safe haven somewhere. This is indicative of complicity by Malaysians, especially those willing to employ them. For, it makes little sense for them to be here only to remain on the run from the authorities without a chance to be employed, even for a while. And yesterday, another period of amnesty, the Rehiring Programme, began with the aim of giving undocumented foreign workers, i.e. those who entered the country legally on their social visit passes, a chance to get work permits. It will be carried out until Dec 31. Those who entered illegally will be deported. Employers harbouring illegal workers are threatened with stern action.
Of course, the usual pre-conditions apply, like those working only in permitted sectors will be entertained and that they cannot have a criminal record. Well and good, because, apparently, this exercise is underway to facilitate labour shortage in specific sectors. But what leaves the casual observer baffled is how come there are still Malaysian employers using illegal foreign labour? If apprehended, these employers face penalties: heavy fines; possible imprisonment; and, the rotan or caning when caught employing more than five illegal workers. These are sentences not to be sneezed at, and yet, foreigners can still find employment illegally. The inference is obvious. The benefits of cheap labour far outweigh the fear of getting caught, which, in turn, means that enforcement is either far from adequate or officers can be bought off. Given the reports of corruption in the Immigration Department following the human trafficking scandal recently, this is a serious probability.
Again, employers are asked to take advantage of the amnesty, employing those already in the country. By so doing, these individuals will enter into the country’s official records, making it easier for the authorities to monitor their movements and act against those who are here illegally. For, the rationale is straightforward, citizens of other countries cannot reside in Malaysia without a legal visa or work permit. If the country is swamped with millions of unregistered foreigners, the danger is obvious: they can break the law with impunity. And, given the security danger posed by terrorism nowadays, identifying every person in the country becomes urgent. Syria and Libya are prime examples where every jihadist can come and go with impunity, rob and kill with impunity and steal the resources of the country with impunity. Employers and possibly corrupt officers must contemplate these very real threats and work with the government to rid Malaysia of these dangerous elements. Known illegal entry points must be plugged because the situation is no longer a benign one of helping the poor from neighbouring countries in a simple quid pro quo arrangement. Under the circumstances, Malaysians found breaking the law in this context must themselves be viewed as a security risk. Consequently, the sentences to the crime must, too, be reviewed to reflect this development. Today, self-serving employers and corrupt officials must pay heavily for their recalcitrance.