To facilitate the safe return of Nepali migrants working illegally in Malaysia, a counter has been set up at the Nepali embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The counter was established with the support of Koperasi Imigresen Malaysia Berhad, an association of former immigration officials of Malaysia.

Nepali Ambassador to Malaysia Niranjan Man Singh Basnyat said they plan to send 15,000 illegal migrants to Nepal by the end of December. Four officials of the Koperasi deputed at the embassy will assist those migrants trying to return home by helping them obtain the documents to send them home.

A notice has been issued requesting all illegal migrants to contact the embassy at the earliest to retrieve travel documents, said Basnyat. The notice mentions that Nepali migrants who wish to return home will have to pay a maximum of 1,340 Ringgits (approximately Rs 40,000).

Basnyat said the amount covers travel fare for migrants to visit the immigration office to acquire the exit pass. According to the embassy, around 9,000 Nepali migrants have already returned home, while another 8,000 have already obtained the exit pass  to leave Malaysia. The embassy also informed that they have rescued around 150 Nepali migrants living in various centres so far. The Foreign Employment Promotion Board had provided Rs 2 million to facilitate the rescue and retrun of these migrants, the embassy said. Various organisations have also been providing financial assistance to help Nepali migrants, languishing in jails and detention centres.

Malaysia has been conducting various campaigns to remove illegal migrants over the years.  In 2011, the country had granted amnesty, conducted validity programme in the second phase, resorted to raid, and granted the opportunity to return home, later. In 2014, the Malaysian government had introduced a provision of levying fine against illegal migrants before sending them home.

Published on: 28 August 2014 | The Kathmandu Post