Problems of Nepali migrant workers have been increasing in Malaysia — the first preferred job destination of blue-collar workers — in recent months following minimum wage dispute.

“Migrant workers have been suffering from lots of job related problems‚” said coordinator of Pravasi Nepali Coordination Committee — a non-governmental organisation working for migrant workers — Parbata Adhikari.

Numbers of migrant workers being cheated in labour contract and salary have increased two-fold since March‚ she said‚ adding that the organisation has reported 61 cases in last five months. “Among them‚ one-third cases are reported in Malaysia.”

About 48 Nepali migrant workers have been cheated in labour contract‚ salary and also jailed for their illegal status‚ she said‚ adding that the committee solved half — some 22 — cases in coordination with the government agencies and others.

International Organisation for Migration has also been supporting to rescue workers.

Nepali migrant workers in Malaysia have not been getting increased salary of Malaysian Ringgit 900 (Rs 26‚379) but outsourcing agencies have been charging more than the prescribed mediation fee of Rs 80‚000. Outsourcing agencies have increased the mediation fee to Rs 130‚000 in the name of increased salary‚ which the workers have not yet received.

However‚ Malaysia government has delayed the increased salary provision until January 2014. At present‚ average salary of a Nepali migrant worker in Malaysia stands at around Malaysian Ringgit 528 (Rs 15‚475) per month.

The Department of Foreign Employment has directed outsourcing agencies not to charge more mediation fee.

“We have directed outsourcing agencies working for Malaysia to stop charging more money‚” said director at the department Diwas Acharya.

However‚ outsourcing agencies said that the mediation fee will not reduced without reducing commission of Malaysian local agents. “We are paying more than $500 for a demand of unskilled worker‚” said an outsourcer. Instead some 18 outsourcing agencies that have attended the meeting suggested the government to start diplomatic efforts to reduce the cost.

About 400‚000 Nepali migrant workers have been working in Malaysia and one-third of them have been cheated either in job or in salary. Outsourcing agencies have been sending workers to Malaysia in fake labour contracts and the trend has been growing due to the weakness of the department.

Published on: 10 June 2013 | The Himalayan Times