KUALA LUMPUR (May 4): The Malaysian Bar is calling for the implementation of regularisation and amnesty programmes for undocumented migrants as part of efforts to combat Covid-19.

The lawyers association expressed concern over the recent arrests of undocumented migrants in various locations across Kuala Lumpur, saying the move will send a counterproductive message through the community. 

“Due to the mass arrests, such migrants may evade the authorities, or avoid and refuse to seek medical treatment, for fear of their status, when they are a community at high risk of contracting Covid-19,” Bar president Salim Bashar said in a statement. 

He said the arrests and detention of such large numbers of undocumented migrants may also result in them having heightened exposure to the virus.

“Steps must be taken to avoid situations of herding arrested persons in groups into crowded transportation, and then into potentially crowded detention centres, with absolutely no observance of social distancing, or other protective measures.

“As places of detention have been generally acknowledged by health authorities as being clusters for the spread of the virus, the Malaysian Bar calls on enforcement authorities to always adhere to strict measures to avoid any possible breach of safety and health risk to detainees. 

“It cannot be that these policies to curb the spread of Covid-19 result in a greater number of Covid-19 cases,” he said.

Salim said there are various reasons for a lack of documentation, ranging from expired work permits that could not have been renewed by employers during the Movement Control Order or asylum seekers who have yet to receive their certification from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

“As a nation, we have relied on these communities who constitute our informal labour market and economy. 

“The Malaysian Bar calls for a more sustainable solution, which should involve opportunities for amnesty and a regularisation programme to resolve these issues,” he added. 

Salim said the government should halt the current enforcement action and focus on ensuring that everyone cooperates to reduce and stop the transmission of Covid-19.

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