Illegal workers return home

Illegal workers return home

SURABAYA, East Java: A total 956 illegal workers deported by
the Malaysian government returned home yesterday, but their
problems are not yet settled.

Dressed in yellow T-shirt uniforms, the workers were sent off
home by East Java Deputy Governor Soeprapto in an emotional
ceremony. Most of them, 699 people, are natives of the province,
while the others come from Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara and
East Nusa Tenggara.

"I went to Malaysia because it was hard to get a job here at
that time. I don't know what to do if the condition doesn't
change," said Ahmad of Sumenep, Madura. "I hope the government
understands our difficulties," he added.

Soeprapto said the provincial administration had not thought
of giving the deportees jobs yet. "At least one problem is
solved. They'd rather go home than cause trouble abroad," he
said.

Malaysia deported 963 Indonesians who failed to show legal
working permits. Some of them had committed crimes.

They sailed on the Tanjung Oisina to Surabaya. Seven women
were dropped off in Jakarta due to health problems. (25/amd)