Activists call for 3rd-party oversight in refugee employment programme

Labour rights activists have called for third-party oversight in the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme, which will see refugees employed in sectors like construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and plantations. Tenaganita executive director Glorene Das emphasized the importance of civil society organisations working alongside the government to ensure refugees receive the same labour protections as other workers.

These protections include written contracts, fair wages, healthcare, social support, and complaint mechanisms. Das suggested that employers participating in the programme should undergo due diligence and demonstrate compliance with labour laws before being matched with refugee workers. Adrian Pereira of the North-South Initiative echoed Das' sentiments, stating that the DPP programme lacks transparency regarding its labour protection laws.

He stressed that publicly accessible information on these laws is crucial to prevent exploitation. The National Security Council directive previously granted refugees the right to work, but the process remained unclear. The DPP programme must provide clear and detailed information to prevent exploitation. Activist Andy Hall added that clarification of selection criteria is necessary, as concerns of exploitation and extortion are prevalent in detention centres.

Legal framework expert Jacob Lee from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing reiterated the need for a specific legal employment framework to protect both employers and workers. Lee warned that poorly designed arrangements could expose manufacturers to immigration offences, forced labour, trafficking, and other risks. The DPP system, implemented under MKN Directive No 23, aims to establish a national refugee database and replace a UNHCR-run refugee registration system deemed insecure due to insufficient state involvement.