I'v been campaigning for migrant rights for more than 16 years. My parents were migrant workers from Kerela, India. They came to Malaysia during the British rule to work in plantations. As a daughter of mogrant labourers, every worker reminds me of the struggle my parents went through.
One of the problems facing migrant workers in Malaysia today is the lack of legal protection. They are frequently arrested and detained without access to justice. Workers aren't allowed to organize or form unions so they often have to stuggle alone.
Outsourcing companies bring in large numbers of workers but fail to provide proper jobs or security. And, even when the workers do have gainful employment, if employers terminated their work permits, they lose their legal status in the country and can be arrested and deported. Worse sitll, their passports are usually held by the employers.
Without their passports, migrant workers cannot file cases in labour court. And even when they file a complaint, things get complicated because it's likely that their work permits will be cancelled. They will only able to stay in the country through special pass, which lasts up to a maximum of three months. During this time, they receive monthly payments of RM100($29) and cannot work. If the case is not resolved during this period they will have to leave the country and return when the case resume.
There are some memorable cases that keep me going. We won a case against Chong Wah Plastics after a six-year battle to recognise migrant workers as equal to local workers in wages, benefits and treatment in the Federal Court.
The judgement has set a precedent in the treatment of migrant workers.
by: Irene Fernandez - Activist for Migrant workers in Malaysia
(Reader's Digest- February 2010)
There are many migrant workers in Malaysia. I am very much appreciated as there is some one who is working for the rights of migrant workers.
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