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)