The plight of Bangladeshi migrants residing in Malaysia is creating concern since they currently face doubt due to lengthy delays in their passport renewal process. Based on a local media report, nearly 26,096 expatriates are trapped in this confusion as their procedures for obtaining machine-readable passports (MRPs) are stalled due to a substantial shortfall of MRP booklets.
This predicament poses a significant risk for them as it brings into question their ability to renew visas within the allocated timeline. The resultant uncertainty places them at a higher risk of deportation. Furthermore, it opens up avenues for mistreatment, abuse, and manipulation to take place.
Government data indicates that Malaysia hosts about 1.5 million migrant workers from Bangladesh. The genesis of this ongoing problem is rooted in the passport issuance system handled by the Bangladesh High Commission located in Kuala Lumpur.
An initiative was launched on April 18th of this year by the commission to offer e-passport services. However, the adoption rate of this alternative seems less than optimal, with merely 20,829 e-passport applications submitted through October, in contrast to 56,080 MRP requests.
The goal to gradually replace MRPs has not seen the anticipated success. One of the reasons behind this could be opposition from certain dishonest individuals within the embassy. It becomes increasingly difficult to perpetrate fraudulent activities under the transparent e-passport system compared to the MRP.
Furthermore, a substantial deficit in MRP booklets has led to a further stall in the application process. Additionally, the recent discontinuation of Expert Service Kuala Lumpur (ESKL), which was tasked with managing e-passport duties, is likely to exacerbate the existing issue.
Foreign nationals in Malaysia who find themselves unable to renew their visas due to drawn-out passport processes have the option to purchase up to eight exclusive monthly passes. These facilitate legal residence in the nation while the individuals await the renewal of their passports and visas.
However, should the delays persist and inability to renew their papers within the allowance of these special passes arises, these migrants would be left with no option but to return to their homeland or to carry forward their stay unlawfully. These circumstances spotlight the very real threats faced by migrants in the country.
Recent media reports unveil an enforcement operation leading to the apprehension of 93 unregistered migrant employees, including some from Bangladesh. This shows how exposed this section of the population is. Undocumented workers are vulnerable to exploitation by employers, and deportation to their home countries can deal a crippling blow to their income and family’s wellbeing.
These challenges have surfaced against the backdrop of a freeze imposed by Malaysia on the employment of new foreign workers earlier this year. It underscores the necessity to address and rectify procedural hindrances and inconsistencies quickly for the protection of our labor force overseas.
For the interim solution, it is suggested to expedite the MRP booklet supply process to clear the backlog of applications. Concurrently, the government should intensify its efforts in promoting and handling e-passport processes to decrease reliance on the MRP mechanism.
Also, actions must be taken promptly to find a suitable successor for the defunct ESKL agency, preventing further interruptions in service delivery. Strengthening the enforcement against corrupt practices and discrepancies within embassy personnel is also a necessary step.
It cannot be understated how integral it is for efficient procedures and support to be in place for migrant labor. They toil overseas and contribute significantly to the economy back home through their remittances.
Experiencing such bureaucratic struggles not only affects their everyday life in foreign lands but also causes unnecessary hardship to them and their families back home. Hence, they thoroughly deserve the collective, dedicated efforts of the government and relevant authorities to ameliorate their situation.
In conclusion, it is not just about aiding these migrants in their current passport dilemma, but about setting the precedent for how such critical matters get addressed in future, demonstrating effective problem-solving, accountability, and respect for those who are duly contributing to the economic well-being of the homeland.