In a move seen by some people and organizations as controversial, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) wants the government to allow asylum seekers to work under a structured, regulated and safeguarded framework.

Such access to gainful employment for asylum seekers would not only support Malaysia’s economic growth, but also benefit businesses and consumers while offering them the opportunity to recover from conflicts in their home countries.

MEF firmly believes that this methodology will work wonders for all stakeholders and would be useful in curbing widespread exploitation, underpayment and overworking as well as enhancing governance and labour law compliance.

MEF stated that this is just one of the ways to help revive and revitalize the national economy, by granting refugees and asylum seekers registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia to gain formal work.

Currently, according to reliable sources, Malaysia is host to more than 200,000 asylum seekers, most of whom are able-bodied, physically fit and of the age of entry for formal employment and the nation needs to capitalize on these people.

Asylum seekers at present face legal and practical barriers to formal employment, although many of them may have the skills, willingness and potential to make a significant and much-needed contribution to the local economy.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE