International Migration and Human Trafficking in Malaysia: A Study on Illegal Immigrants

Abstract

Foreign immigrant mobilisation to a country is inheritable and in fact there are countries that encourage the entry of foreigners because they indirectly generate the country's income and increase the economic activities. Due to various factors that influence migration among migrants, some of them are willing to enter countries illegally and become illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, most foreign immigrants with the illegal immigrant status have been exploited by certain parties, merely to get profit. Therefore, this article will discuss and reveal the experience of some illegal immigrants who have been exploited, especially during their admission process and their involvement in the economic activities. This exploitation does not only happen to migrants with illegal immigrant status, those who enter a country using Temporary Work Permit Pass (TWPP) could also be victims. The study was conducted using three main approaches, namely surveys, interviews and group discussion. The study found that there were respondents who have been exploited by certain parties especially during admission process and employment. Some of the various types of exploitations are fraud, abuse, coercion, force and so on. In conclusion, immigrants are exposed to trafficking criminal activities and it does not only focus on illegal immigrants, but also on those who have entered legally.

Life experiences and cultural adaptation among migrant workers in Malaysia

“…In tandem with the growing number of international migrant workers in Malaysia, previous studies indicate a growing focus on their life experiences and employment conditions: some highlight the migrants' vulnerability to labour trafficking (Ajis et al, 2015;Juliawan, 2018), while others argue that the existing legislation is inadequate to protect their rights and welfare (Devadason & Meng, 2014;Lim, 2018;International Labour Organization, 2018). Other studies explain why female migrants in Malaysia are more vulnerable to exploitation than male migrants (Lasimbang et al, 2016).…”