Add migrant workers to Malaysian poverty calculations, urges UN expert


Sheridan Mahavera

Unions and economists have long argued that Malaysia’s dependence on cheap, unskilled foreign labour has depressed wages for Malaysians. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, August 24, 2019.

MIGRANT workers, both documented and undocumented, should be added to the government’s assessments on poverty as part of policy reforms to help the poor, said a United Nations expert.

This is because the high number of foreigners and their participation in the economy affect living standards and wages for Malaysians, said UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Prof Philip Alston. 


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