Bangladeshi Illegal Immigrants
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One of the factors that contributes to the rise of illegal immigrants, is the "Outsourcing license" launched by the Malaysian government, for companies employing foreign workers. Under the "Outsourcing license", companies are granted a preapproved quota for the number of workers to be imported to Malaysia. Upon filling the quota, the companies could simply reapply for an extended quota. The concept of Outsourcing cut much of the red tape that had been required for employers who engaged foreign workers, as well as for those who did not. For this reason, Outsourcing companies began to charge exorbitant prices for each quota they leased out. The price could range from RM800 to RM1800 per year, on top of the levy, insurance, medical examination and cost of a banker's guarantee. Employers, mostly small time business owner, unable to afford the costly overheads, decided they would rather engage in the employment of illegal workers.
From 2006 to 2008, numerous Outsourcing companies contributed to the huge influx of Bangladesh workers, most of whom are illegal now. Bangladeshi agents, when recruiting these individuals in their country, usually promised them higher pay and benefits than was actually agreed upon. Agents in Bangladesh would then collect up to RM7,000 to RM9,000 as placement fees from the candidates. This amount covers the airline ticket, processing, and commission for Malaysian agents of up to RM2500 per head. Agents in Malaysia would bring them in and lease them out on a daily or monthly basis, with salary as low as RM17.50 per day. Although these activities had been practiced by agents prior to the launch of "Outsourcing license", the launch of this license contributes to even more Bangladesh being imported, due to the pre-approval. Agents would deploy workers by the thousands at a time, becoming millionaires overnight. However, the Bangladeshis' being unaccustomed to Malaysian work conditions, and their refusal to work for a salary lower than had been promised by their Bangladeshi agent, led many to run away from their employers, preferring to take their chances for better pay, work conditions or even living quarters.
Usually the Outsourcing companies rely on the commission that they were to obtain from their Bangladeshi counterpart, to feed and support these workers until reliable employers are found for them. However, in many cases, Bangladeshi agents fail to pay the commission and utilize the approval obtained by their Malaysian counterpart to deploy these workers. Upon the workers' arrival in Malaysia, the Outsourcing companies are required to clear and collect them at the airport, regardless of the commission problem. Outsourcing companies and agents, shaken by the cost of food and lodging, thus have an incentive to allow these unpaid workers to run away and seek their own fortune, rather than take responsibility.
Read more about this topic: Illegal Immigrants In Malaysia
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