A CABINET sub-committee is looking into the possible move of allowing refugees to work in Malaysia, said Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran.

The committee comprises the ministers of Human Resources, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and the deputy prime minister, he said.

“The Ministries of Human Resources and Home Affairs have been assigned to study this matter thoroughly before it is reverted for the consideration and decision of the committee.

“Thereafter, it will be taken to the cabinet for approval,” he told reporters at the Employment Law Reforms: What Lies Ahead seminar today.

Meetings will be held to discuss the matter with all stakeholders, including with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Kula added that the feedback from stakeholders will be collected before any major changes were made.

He said the government also wants to ensure that no refugees are exploited, adding that the current labour laws may not be enough to protect them.

It was previously reported that the government would decide on the move in December.

Suhakam Vice Chairman Jerald Joseph told The Malaysian Insight that it would be helpful to have a timeline on the decision.

Joseph said the proposal was brought to the attention of the government by Suhakam and other civil society groups, adding that the commission last spoke to the minister on the issue late in 2018.

“We think it’s a logical move and practical to enable legal work for refugees to support their family. If not, their vulnerability increases and they are easily exploited,” he said.

This is in line with minimum international standards of refugee protection as well as the promises made by the new government when it came to power,” he added.

It is understood that the Independent Committee for Foreign Workers Management has made recommendations on Refugees Employment in a report submitted to the government in May 2019.

The committee, formed in August 2018, was headed by former Court of Appeal Judge Hishamuddin Yunus. – January 9, 2020.