Controlling labor flow in the region<\/p>\n
P. Ramasamy, professor of political science Universiti Kebangsaan
\nMalaysia, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore<\/p>\n
There are reasons to believe that Malaysia's tough immigration
\nlaw may not eliminate entirely the presence of illegal migrant
\nworkers in the country. The law, which came into effect on Aug.
\n1, imposes a mandatory jail sentence and caning for those caught
\nentering the country illegally.<\/p>\n
Before the law came into effect, the government announced an
\namnesty in May for illegals to leave on their own accord. At the
\nsame time, those who were rounded up were deported to their
\nrespective places of origin. The majority of illegal immigrants
\nwere from Indonesia and the Philippines.<\/p>\n
It was estimated before the mass repatriation that Malaysia
\nhad an immigrant population of nearly two million.<\/p>\n
As soon as the law came into effect, a number of illegal
\nimmigrants were jailed. It is estimated that 300,000 illegal
\nworkers have been deported to date. Many more are being held in
\ndetention centers.<\/p>\n
The question is whether Malaysia can afford to deport the
\nillegals.<\/p>\n
In the past, strong labour demand and the need to free
\nMalaysians to work in certain strategic sectors had prevented the
\ngovernment from taking a tough stand against illegals. Given the
\nlow cost of employing foreign labour, it developed a reliance on
\nthem to attract foreign investments.<\/p>\n
From time to time, some attempts were made to deport illegal
\nmigrants. However, these moves did not have much economic impact
\nbecause those deported returned within a short time.<\/p>\n
The long and porous borders between Malaysia, Indonesia and
\nthe Philippines provided ample opportunity for those deported to
\nmake a comeback. Moreover, the presence of numerous syndicates,
\nagents and corrupt officials facilitated the easy re-entry of
\nillegal migrants.<\/p>\n
As long as there was a strong labour demand, the government
\nwas able to tolerate the presence of illegal migrants. With wages
\nof illegals considerably lower than those of documented workers,
\nthey could be absorbed easily into sectors such as construction
\nand plantations. In any case, Malaysians were not interested in
\nworking in these two sectors.<\/p>\n
However, following the financial crisis of 1997, job
\nopportunities for local and foreign labour began to vanish. Then,
\nthe government began to move in a more systematic manner to
\nlessen its dependence on foreign labour in general and illegals
\nin particular.<\/p>\n
A fall in the growth rate, lack of employment opportunities
\nand a drop in foreign direct investments were the factors that
\nforced the government to adopt restrictive measures.<\/p>\n
Still, it would be difficult to remove all illegals as the
\neconomy's crucial sectors -- construction, plantations and
\ndomestic services -- are still dependent on both legal and
\nillegal foreign workers. This has led employers to make a strong
\ncase to the authorities to go slow in deporting illegals.<\/p>\n
What is needed is long-term measures to boost the economic
\nperformance of countries in the region as a way to control and
\nregulate the flow of labour. Perhaps, it is time for ASEAN
\ncountries to resolve the labour issue within the larger parameter
\nof economic development in the region.<\/p>\n
It is unfortunate that the ASEAN Free Trade Area concept pays
\nhardly any attention to labour issues. It is not too late for
\nmember nations to put labour on the agenda in the next round of
\nmeetings.<\/p>",
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