Illegal Immigrants in Malaysia - Why Does Malaysia Have So Much Illegal Immigration?

Why Does Malaysia Have So Much Illegal Immigration?

This question, though straightforward, is extremely complex, and ties with various issues that may seem insignificant to Malaysia, but contribute to the cause of illegal immigrants.

As the economy of Malaysia improves, more and more demand for foreign labor is required to fill in the intense labor market for palm oil, construction, domestic helpers, restaurants and other job sectors that Malaysians shun.

For a typical employer to engage a foreign worker, they are first required to show cause that they are unable to employ any Malaysian workers by submitting their request form through JCS. After a 60 days grace of unsuccessful recruitment, they may then submit their application through KDN (www.kdn.gov.my), together with the numbers of foreign workers required. Once granted, employers would have obtain approval to go ahead to the Department of Immigration of Malaysia (www.imi.gov.my) for the rest of the government processing and payment of levy. Usually employers go through agencies and agents to procure the foreign workers with the necessary approval and payment receipt. The agency or agent would than service them the rest of the way. Agencies and agents are not usually paid by the employer; instead they profit from commission charged the foreign workers. The amount usually ranges from a one time US$300 to US$400 per head count, which many believe is reasonable and affordable.

However, companies that are entitled to engage foreign workers would have to comply with the straight requirements of various government bodies. This hampers the need of small business owners, thus creating a demand for illegal workers.