Landmark Debate Could Turn Tide for Refugees in Malaysia

(22 Feb 10 - RV) Malaysia’s Home Minister has said that authorities would discuss letting employers hire refugees instead of importing foreign workers to the country.


The proposal would mark a major policy shift toward refugees who, as illegal immigrants, have been subject to detention, caning and deportation.


The country depends heavily on foreign labour in such industries as construction,
manufacturing and farming. We spoke with Joachim Xavier of the Penang Office for Human Development: