ASIAN MIGRATION NEWS
1-31
March 2009
Asylum applications to industrialized nations increase
Around 383,000 new applications from asylum seekers in some 51 industrialized
nations were lodged in 2008, 12 percent higher than in 2007, according to the
UNHCR in its recent report on asylum trends. The rise in the number of
applications is being linked to the increasing number of Afghan and Somali
asylum seekers. Iraqis filed the highest number of applications last year
(40,500), but declined by 10 percent compared to 2007. Applications from Afghan
asylum seekers rose 85 percent while Somali applications jumped 77 percent in
2008. The US is still the most popular destination, followed by Canada and
France.
Migrants vulnerable to HIV, AIDS
Migrant workers in Asia could not just lose their jobs due to the global
economic crisis, but their health could also be at risk. Foreign migrant
workers, especially women, are becoming 'highly vulnerable' to HIV infections,
and more so amid the economic downturn, a study by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed. The study entitled, “HIV
Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women: From Asia to the Arab States,” reports
that the current crisis could push migrants to settle for jobs that may expose
them to unsafe conditions, such as sexual exploitation and violence, which could
lead to HIV infections. High recruitment fees and low wages may also hold women
migrants in "debt traps" that could lead to sexual exploitation. The study
conducted interviews with more than 600 migrants from the Philippines, Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. In the
study, it was found that Asian migrant workers in Arab states, especially
domestic workers, often lack legal coverage, face duress and sexual exploitation
in the workplace and have limited access to health and social services.
Globally, total remittances could drop to $290 billion this year from $305
billion in 2008, according to the recently revised Migration and Development
Brief prepared by the World Bank. India was the top recipient of remittances in
2008, receiving $45 billion. The other major recipient countries were
China ($34 billion), Mexico ($26 billion), Philippines ($18 billion) and Poland
($11 billion). The
World Bank, however, said that remittances will still surpass private capital
flows and official development aid. Remittance flows will also remain resilient
as many migrant workers are unlikely to leave their host countries, though they
may have to cut down the remittances they send home, according to Dilip Ratha of
the World Bank’s Migration and Remittances team.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also released a report predicting that
remittances would fall due to the laying off of employees all over the world.
The ADB expects remittances from major markets such as the Middle East, the US,
and the UK will decline and weaken due to the global economic crisis.
90 million jobs needed up to 2010: ILO
A recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) says that as many
as 90 million jobs are needed up to 2010 to prevent a massive increase in
unemployment and poverty due to the economic crisis. ILO Director-General Juan
Somavia stressed the need for a global jobs pact to prevent a severe job crisis
and warned that employment may only start to recover in 2011 if stimulus efforts
are delayed.
An ILO study also found that among 32 member countries, stimulus plans in
response to the economic crisis only average about 1.7 percent of the gross
domestic product (GDP), below the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF)
recommended two percent. The study also discovered that most stimulus plans were
geared towards financial bailouts and tax cuts rather than job generation and
social protection. On average, financial bailout packages are five times larger
than fiscal stimulus packages.
Return migration to China and India
A recent study shows that Chinese and Indian immigrants in the US are returning
to their home countries to find better jobs and higher wages. Vivek Wadhwa,
co-author of the study, said the growing job markets in China and India are
drawing these immigrants to their countries of origin while the US immigration
bureaucracy helps push them away, Wadhwa added. In the next three to five years,
as many as 100,000 each of Indians and Chinese could return to their home
countries. This could boost the economies of both Asian countries and compromise
technological innovation in the US. The study is based on interviews with 1,200
Chinese and Indian professionals in the US to work or to study.
US may create special visa category for nurses
To address the nursing shortage in the US, a resolution to create a special
non-immigrant visa category for foreign nurses has been introduced in the House
of Representatives. The "Nursing Relief Act of 2009" has been referred to the
House Committee on Judiciary. If passed, the resolution will allow for an easier
and faster issuance of nursing visas to registered nurses from countries such as
India, China and the Philippines.
US to restrict firms from hiring H1-B workers
The US government has restricted companies from hiring skilled foreign workers
with primary temporary worker H-1B visas, a decision that has become
controversial and has drawn widespread concern. President Barack Obama recently
signed a new law that will make it difficult for firms receiving government
bailouts to hire H-1B foreign workers. The "Employ American Workers Act" aims to
prevent a company receiving bailout funds from displacing American workers when
hiring H1-B professionals. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
said this policy will only be implemented for two years. The USCIS also said it
will begin accepting H1-B applications on 1 April for the next fiscal. Only
65,000 H1-B visas will be issued for the next fiscal year, which begins on 1
October.
Europe to enforce new penalties for hiring unauthorized
migrants
A proposed legislation that penalizes employers of unauthorized migrant workers
will become law by 2011 once signed by European Union ministers. Under the
proposed legislation, standard penalties will be charged to employers who
provide exploitative working conditions or who engage in human trafficking
activities. The new measures aim to discourage clandestine work procedures and
to protect unauthorized immigrants.
UK to introduce new visa system for students
The UK will introduce a new student visa system that requires applicants to
score 40 points or more to qualify for a student visa. Under the Tier 4 of the
Points Based System (PBS), applicants should earn 30 points by presenting a visa
letter from a licensed sponsor and 10 points for showing that one can cover
course fees and living expenses. The university or college will serve as a
student's licensed immigration sponsor. Under the system, universities and
colleges must ensure that a student is qualified by checking the student's
ability and English language proficiency.
Sources: IANS, "100,000 Indians will return from US in next 3-5 years," The
Times of India, 2 March 2009; PTI, "US legislation for separate visa
category for nurses," The Economic Times, 2 March 2009; Kristin Collins,
"Indian, Chinese immigrants go home for better life," Raleigh News and
Observer, 3 March 2009; IANS, "US sending back skilled Indians: study,"
The Times of India, 8 March 2009; AFP, "Asian women migrants vulnerable to
HIV: report," 10 March 2009; PTI, "Remittances from overseas Indian workers to
fall: ADB study," Indopia, 10 March 2009; "New report shows Asian migrant
women in the Arab states have heightened vulnerability to HIV," UNAIDS,
10 March 2009; Kimberly Jane T. Tan, "Europe adopts new rules against illegal
workers," GMANews.tv, 12 March 2009; Ashwamegh Banerjee, TNN, "UK to
introduce new student visa system," The Economic Times, 16 March 2009;
PTI, "H1-B visa curbs to end in two years," The Hindu, 23 March 2009;
AFP, "Afghans, Somalis fuel rise in asylum seekers," Brunei Online, 25
March 2009; IANS, "India tops remittances in 2008," Times of India, 25
March 2009; Mayen Jaymalin, "International Labor Organization: 90 million new
jobs needed," Philippine Star, 27 March 2009; Cai U. Ordinario, "5-8%
drop in remittance," Business Mirror, 29 March 2009; Deepshikha Monga,
"Migrants not responsible for US job losses," The Economic Times, 30
March 2009
EAST ASIA
Jobless migrants
As of 25 March, a poll by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that about
25 million of the 70 million migrant workers who returned home for the Chinese
Lunar New Year lost their jobs because of the economic crisis. In February, the
government had announced that about 20 million rural migrants were unemployed.
However, an official said that since the reopening of factories after the Lunar
New Year, there has been no new wave of migrants who have lost their jobs and
returned home. Authorities also have reportedly gathered evidence suggesting
that the job market has stabilized.
The global economic crisis has hit many migrant workers in China, especially
those from rural villages working in industrial areas. Guangdong hosts the
largest number of migrant workers in China, 20 million, including 19 million
migrants from other provinces. Last year, over 2,400 companies in southern
Guangdong Province closed down, while many laid off migrant workers were forced
to go home. The provincial governor said that 10.25 million migrant workers
returned home for the holidays. About 9.46 million returned, and 7.78 million
found work right away. The government also helped find jobs for about 1.22
million migrant workers.
In other news, All-China Federation of Trade Unions vice-chairman Zhang Mingqi
pledged to use the labor law to help migrant workers keep their jobs. He
promised that compensation for laid off workers will be given on time.
Govt to assist migrant workers in rural areas
The government is planning to increase grain subsidies and fund more rural
infrastructure projects to help laid off migrant workers who are returning to
their rural villages. An Agriculture Ministry official said these projects will
help create job opportunities in rural areas for migrant workers, such as
irrigation, construction and transportation work. Subsidies for farm equipment
will also be provided to farmers and a minimum purchase price for grain will be
enforced to help stabilize rural income. The Education Ministry also plans to
expand vocational education this year to provide new skills and training for
laid-off rural workers who wish to find new employment.
Better opportunities attracting professionals and students
Since late 2008 the government has spent millions to lure Chinese abroad to
return home. In December, global job fairs were opened in London, Chicago and
New York, where Chinese banks, universities and government agencies interviewed
some 4,400 people. In Guangzhou alone, $30 million have been set aside to
attract migrant financial professionals. In 2008, about 50,000 Chinese students
returned home, up by 6,000 compared to 2007. State media also report that about
4,000 businesses in Shanghai were opened by Chinese students.
Sources: David Pierson and Don Lee, "China wooing overseas skilled workers back
home," L.A. Times/The China Post, 2 March 2009; Xinhua, "China Focus:
Economic woes entrench China's migrant workers in hard times," People.com.cn,
2 March 2009; Zhou Xin and Emma Graham-Harrison, Reuters, "China still has at
least 20 million jobless migrants," 6 March 2009; Fu Jing and Zhu Zhe, "'We'll
use labor law to save jobs'," China Daily, 10 March 2009; AP, "China
plans subsidies for unemployed migrants," The China Post, 12 March 2009;
Xinhua, "Vocational training to help laid-off workers get jobs," China Daily,
13 March 2009; AFP, "Migrant worker unemployment in China rising," 25 March 2009
Hong Kong SAR
(see also Philippines)
Domestic workers ask for better work conditions.
Some 100 foreign and local domestic workers in Hong Kong SAR trooped to
government headquarters early March to ask for better wages. General Director of
the Hong Kong Domestic Workers General Union Tse Shung-chan said that domestic
workers have been earning 60 to 70 percent less than before, from HK$3,000 a
month to HK$500. Some employers have reportedly cut down working hours from six
to two, while others have been sent home. The union is asking for a minimum
hourly wage of HK$55.
Source: Beatrice Siu, "Domestic helpers seek higher pay, more hours," The
Standard, 9 March 2009
Japan
(see also Indonesia,
Philippines)
Govt to revamp immigration system
The government has approved a bill that will revamp the immigration system to
toughen measures against unauthorized entry into the country. One of the changes
is giving the central government full control of alien registration. The
government will be in charge of the issuance of registration cards to foreigners
living in Japan. Foreigners living in Japan for more than three months will be
included in the resident registry system, which will record their names,
addresses, nationalities and duration of stay in the country. Harsher penalties
will also be imposed on immigration violators. Revisions to the immigration law
were proposed following criticisms that illegal stayers abuse Japan’s dual
administrative immigration structure.
Temporary workers vulnerable to job losses
More than 150,000 temporary workers in Japan are expected to lose their jobs
during the October-March period, the Labor Ministry said. Temporary staff
agencies believe that the number could continue to rise as the economic slowdown
persists. Temporary, contract and part-time workers make up one-third of Japan's
workforce. Many of these workers are foreigners, including Peruvians and
Brazilians of Japanese descent. A labor group representative said that with the
ongoing crisis, a temporary worker not be given a new job when his or her
contract ends. The crisis adds more pressure to these workers, as most of them
depend on agencies for shelter and wages and do not have secure retirement
plans.
Japan to launch refugee pilot program in 2010
The Japanese government will introduce in 2010 a three-year resettlement program
for Burmese refugees living in camps along the Burma-Thailand Border. Under the
third-country resettlement program, about 30 refugees will be accepted every
year for three years, making up a total of 90 refugees. Japan is said to be the
first Asian country that has agreed to accept "resettlement refugees." Many have
lauded Japan's decision to accept more asylum seekers, which is a departure from
past patterns. From 2005 to 2008, Japan issued only 30 refugee visas to asylum
seekers; it has accepted only 508 refugees since it ratified the UN Convention
Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1981.
Court grants citizenship to Filipino descendants
A Tokyo court last month granted Japanese citizenship to two sons and six
daughters of Japanese men who lived, worked or joined the army in the
Philippines before and during World War II. The descendants, whose ages ranged
from 63 to 82, have Japanese fathers and Filipino mothers. According to
Philippines Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center Chairman Hiroyuki Kawai, about 15 of
101 Japanese-Filipino children have been granted citizenship since the
organization filed petitions in 2004. About 72 cases are still pending in court,
while 14 have been cancelled because of deaths or lack of proper documents.
In other news, the Justice Ministry has maintained that the Filipino parents of
a minor will still be deported for illegal entry, but will be allowed short
stays to see their daughter. Only the 13-year-old daughter, who was born in
Japan, will remain in the country. Arlan and Sarah Calderon were scheduled to
return to the Philippines on 9 March. Both parents had been undocumented
migrants in Japan and were seeking permanent residency for the whole family.
Sources: AFP, "Japan's temporary workers at frontline of downturn," The Daily
Star, 1 March 2009; "Foreign residents to be enrolled in Japanese resident
registry," Japan Today, 3 March 2009; Kyodo News, "Bill on immigration
overhaul OK'd," The Japan Times, 7 March 2009; Kyodo News, "Calderons
will be allowed short visits to see daughter," The Japan Times, 7 March
2009; Dario Agnote, Kyodo News, "Japanese descendants in Philippines get
citizenship," The Japan Times, 9 March 2009; Jeff Kingston, "Japan charts
a new course on refugees," The Japan Times, 9 March 2009
Reduced number of work visas this year
The Ministry of Labor will cut the number of work visas that will be issued to
foreign workers this year to 34,000, down from 100,000 last year. Half of the
total will be reserved for issuing H-2 work visas and another half for E-9 work
visas. H-2 visas are for working-visitors granted to Koreans living in China,
Russia and other neighboring countries, while E-9 visas are part of the work
permit program for foreign workers in the country.
Migrant worker group calls for revision of labor policies
The Migrant Workers' Movement Camp (MWMC), including other rights groups are
calling for the abolition of restrictions on job periods and workplace movement.
The MWMC is also urging the government to stop initiatives to revise the minimum
wage system. At a news conference on 5 March, the groups stressed the plight of
migrant workers amid the economic crisis, such as being the first to be fired or
being stigmatized as unregistered workers. They added that migrant workers
should not be sacrificed due to the economic downturn.
Border reopened for North, South Korean workers
North Korea has reopened the border to allow South Koreans to return to work at
a joint industrial estate. The decision came after South Korean factory owners
appealed to the government not to "hold the Kaesong complex hostage" or to let
business activities in the industrial area be affected by political conditions.
Earlier, North Korea closed the border
for a day to protest against a US-South Korean exercise. Some 80 South Korean
workers headed to the joint industrial estate were left stranded. The Kaesong
industrial complex is located north of the border and has become a symbol of
cooperation between North and South Korea.
Sources: AAP, "N Korea reopens S Korea border," News.com.au, 10 March
2009; "More migrant workers stigmatized as unregistered migrant workers,"
Migrantsinkorea.net, 11 March 2009; Park Si-soo, "Korea to drastically cut
foreign worker quota," Korea Times, 19 March 2009
CLA to reduce foreign workforce
The Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) has suspended the importation of foreign
workers by manufacturers that wish to hire them for three shifts. CLA has also
lowered the number of foreign workers a company can hire to 20 percent of the
company's labor force. These revisions could reduce foreign labor by 30,000
people this year, a council official said. Most foreign workers are in
blue-collar jobs shunned by many Taiwanese.
Meanwhile, an official from the Employment Vocational Training Administration
said local workers are now settling for night-shift jobs due to rising
unemployment and the import of foreign labor. The hiring of foreign workers is
only a supplementary measure and should not cause domestic workers to lose their
jobs, the official added. The unemployment rate in the country jumped to 5.3
percent in January, the highest since 1978.
As of the end of 2008, the number of foreign workers in Taiwan reached 365,000.
New employment permit cards for foreign professionals
The Ministry of Interior is planning to issue new employment pass cards to
foreign professionals working in Taiwan. The pass card will combine four
different permits - the applicant's visa, work and re-entry permits and alien
resident certificate. The plan aims to streamline the application procedure for
skilled foreign workers in the country.
Faster naturalization process for Mainland spouses
At least 100 Chinese migrant spouses in Taiwan gathered outside the legislature
to call for faster naturalization processing. While it only takes about four
years for migrant spouses from other countries to obtain a national identity
card, Mainland Chinese spouses are made to wait for as long as eight years,
according to the New Immigrants Labor Rights Association. Mainland spouses wait
for as long as six years to obtain a work permit while it only takes 15 days for
spouses from other countries. A Chinese Nationalist Party legislator earlier
proposed to revise the law to allow for the equal treatment of migrant spouses,
but the review of the proposal was blocked by the Internal Administration
Committee.
Sources: Shelley Huang, "CLA bars foreign workers," Taipei Times, 1 March
2009; CNA, "CLA expects fall in number of foreign workers," Taipei Times,
3 March 2009; "Chinese spouses protest ID delays," Taiwan Headlines, 7
March 2009; CNA, "New permit to be launched for foreign professionals," The
China Post, 21 March 2009
CENTRAL ASIA
Crisis affects Uzbek migrant workers
Thousands of Uzbekistan's migrant workers are expected to head home due to the
global economic crisis, which has hit the country's primary host countries,
namely Russia and Kazakhstan. Recently, Russia and Kazakhstan slashed
immigration quotas for migrant workers. Russia in January this year also banned
guest workers from landing jobs in retail, one of the most popular and
traditional sectors for migrant workers. Uzbek officials believe the declining
demand for foreign labor could aggravate social problems in Uzbekistan such as
rising crime and unemployment rates.
Source: "Uzbekistan: A social problem brews, as labor migrants return with
nothing to do," Eurasianet.org, 12 March 2009
MIDDLE EAST
Foreign homemakers can access more jobs
Foreign homemakers in Bahrain may soon be allowed to work in more professions as
soon as the decision is finalized by the government. While foreign wives are
already allowed to work in the sectors of education, medicine, banking and
finance, a committee is considering allowing them to take other jobs. It is
expected that the final decision will be made in two to three months. The
General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence reported last year
that many foreign wives became unauthorized residents after swapping their
housewife visas for work permits. A committee has been set up to review the
current policy that does not allow foreign women on housewife visas to have work
visas.
Taxes on hiring foreign crew members suspended
The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has suspended taxes on Bahraini
fishermen hiring foreign crew members for three months. The LMRA has also
allowed fishermen to renew the residence permits of their foreign workers. The
decision came after a meeting with LMRA officials and some Bahraini fishermen on
4 March.
Sources: "LMRA freezes 'tax' on crews for three months," Gulf Daily News,
5 March 2009; Soman Baby, "Jobs visa hope for expat wives," Gulf Daily News,
8 March 2009
Germany to accept 2,500 Iraqi refugees
About 2,500 Iraqi refugees will be resettled in Germany in March as part of the
European Union's resettlement program. The Amman office of the UNHCR said
Germany will bring in 2,000 Iraqis from Syria and 500 from Jordan. The first
batch of 400 refugees will be given three-year, extendable residency permits and
will be resettled in northern Germany.
In November 2008, the European Union announced that it will receive 10,000 Iraqi
refugees who fled from their war-torn country. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003
has forced around 2.2 million Iraqis to flee their homes. Many of them currently
live in Jordan and Syria.
Sources: AFP, "Germany opens door to new wave of Iraqi refugees," 5 March 2009;
"Germany to resettle 2,500 Iraqi refugees from Jordan, Syria," Dw-world.com,
11 March 2009
Foreign labor in 2008 declines
Kuwait's foreign workforce declined to 1.75 million in 2008, 0.85 percent lower
compared to 1.77 million in 2007, according to official figures released on 15
March. Overall employment in the oil-rich country also decreased by 0.19 percent
to 2.088 million. This is the first time Kuwait's foreign labor workforce and
overall employment decreased since 1990, when the Iraqi invasion took place.
Migrants in Kuwait still account for 68.4 percent of the population in 2008,
slightly lower than 69 percent a year earlier. Layoffs due to the economic
crisis reduced the number of foreign workers in the country, while the local
workforce increased by 3.7 percent to 336,000 last year, compared to 324,000 in
2007.
Source: AFP, "Kuwait expat workforce in first fall since 1990 invasion,"
ABS-CBN News Online, 15 March 2009
Qatar
(see also Philippines)
Qatar launches anti-trafficking campaign
Qatar has begun a human trafficking awareness campaign through the media, after
the US State Department claimed the country has become a site for human
trafficking abuses. A local radio program and two television programs will
inform audiences about human trafficking and will also serve as hotlines for
trafficked victims, a National Human Rights Committee member said. Earlier, the
US State Department's Trafficking in Persons report described Qatar as a
destination country for trafficking abuses, particularly forced laborers from
Asia. Qatar's foreign workforce accounts for 80 percent of the country's
population. Most of the workers come from South Asia or the Philippines.
Support for Somali refugees in Yemen
Qatar Charity (QC) has agreed to allot $250,000 to support Somali refugees in
Yemen. In a signed agreement with the UNHCR, the QC fund will be used to provide
non-food items to refugees, such as mattresses, blankets, clothing and cleaning
supplies. Since the start of 2009, more than 10,000 refugees, mostly from
Somalia, have fled to Yemen through the Gulf of Aden. The Yemeni government and
the UNHCR are planning to register thousands of refugees in the country.
Registration centers will issue identification cards to refugees.
Sources: Khaled Al-Hilaly, "Qatar charity to support UNHCR refugee programs,"
Yemen Times, 4 March 2009; Mandy Clark, Doha, "Qatar begins
human-trafficking awareness campaign," Voanews.com, 10 March 2009
Saudi Arabia needs foreign medical workers
Foreign jobseekers may want to consider Saudi Arabia for work opportunities, as
six of the largest military hospitals in the kingdom need at least 4,000 health
care professionals, technicians and medical personnel. The recruitment of
migrant workers to the kingdom would most likely continue despite the global
financial crisis because of ongoing huge construction projects and increasing
demands for medical professionals, according to an executive from the Federation
Association of Manpower Exporters in the Philippines.
Source: Sheila Crisostomo, "6 Saudi hospitals need 4,000 workers,"
Philstar.com, 8 March 2009
Four out of 10 expatriates to leave UAE
A study has found that four out of 10 foreign nationals in the UAE are thinking
of leaving the country by next year due to rising unemployment and high costs of
living. A fifth of the respondents feel that they could end up unemployed within
the 12 months. Eight percent said they have already lost their jobs. About 75
percent of the respondents said they are "very dissatisfied" with the cost of
living in the UAE. The study conducted surveys involving around 500 foreign
workers from all areas of the UAE. About 59 percent of the respondents are based
in Dubai. Around 44 percent are Asians.
123 unauthorized migrants nabbed
A total of 123 unauthorized migrants were arrested by authorities in separate
night raids in Ras Al Khaimah on 18 March. Most of the detainees were of Asian
and Arab nationalities and had overstayed their visit visas.
Fewer complaints by Indonesian domestic workers in 2008
The number of recorded complaints from Indonesian domestic workers in Abu Dhabi
has decreased by 35.94 percent last year. In 2008, the Indonesian embassy
received a total of 597 complaints from domestic workers, lower than 932 cases
in 2007. However, the number of complaints remains high. In 2008, about 441
domestic workers were repatriated because they were not ready to resume working
for their employers for various reasons, such as non-payment of wages, bad
treatment and unbearable workload.
Support for Palestinian refugees
The UAE Red Crescent Authority (UAERCA) and the United Nations Relief and Works
Agency (UNRWA) have agreed to jointly contribute aid worth $6 million to
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The fund will finance the rehabilitation of
shelters and relief activities for the refugees in the Bourj El Shemali, one of
the 12 camps in south Lebanon.
Sources: Martin Croucher, "4 in 10 expats plan on 'leaving next year',"
Khaleej Times Online, 3 March 2009; Anwar Ahmad, "Complaints from Indonesian
maids drop in Abu Dhabi," Khaleej Times Online, 12 March 2009; Wam, "123
illegals arrested in night swoop in Ras Al Khaimah," Khaleej Times Online,
13 March 2009; "$6m for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon," Khaleej Times
Online, 17 March 2009
SOUTH ASIA
Bangladesh
(see also Malaysia)
Thousands of Bangladeshi workers return home
The return of thousands of migrant workers to Bangladesh is a growing threat to
remittance inflows that help boost the country's economy. Bureau of Manpower,
Employment and Training data reveal that in February, a total of 8,022 migrant
workers returned home due to strict enforcement of immigration rules, layoffs or
long vacations; in January, the number of returnees reached a total of 4,817.
Workers continued to return home in March. On 13 March, around 300 workers
arrived from Malaysia, Singapore and the Maldives; another 312 returned on 16
March; and on 25 March, at least 260 Bangladeshi workers returned home on
special travel passes. Meanwhile, the outflow of overseas workers declined by 13
percent from 50,632 in January to 43,856 in February.
The return migration of workers and possible decline of remittance inflows could
also pull down the real estate sector.
Sources: Sohel Parvez, "Bleak days ahead for migrants," The Daily Star, 8
March 2009; Kawsar Khan, "Remittance drop to hurt real estate," The Daily
Star, 9 March 2009; Porimol Palma, "Workers returning in alarming numbers,"
The Daily Star, 14 March 2009; "312 more workers return home," The
Daily Star, 17 March 2009; "260 more workers return," The Daily Star,
26 March 2009
Indian detainees in Malaysia to be repatriated
Forty-three Indian nationals detained in Malaysia for almost two months have
been allowed to return home after the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC)
reviewed their case. They will be sent home in batches via the Kuala Lumpur
International Airport. The workers' Malaysian employer, a manpower outsourcing
agency, agreed to repatriate them. The Indians were hired in July 2005 for
factory work in Johor on a three-year contract. Their agent had not renewed
their visas, which expired last year. Eight other Indian nationals who were part
of the group claimed that they were forced to work beyond the stipulated work
period, but their employer did not renew their work permits. The workers on 17
January went to the Indian High Commission to ask for help but ended up being
detained by the police.
Sources: PTI, "43 Indians in Malaysia to be repatriated," The Times of India,
2 March 2009; "Indian workers detained in Malaysia to return home," Malaysia
Sun, 5 March 2009
Fewer Nepalis leave for overseas work
Nepal's foreign employment fell by 17 percent to 126,812 during the first eight
months of the fiscal year from 152,682 in the same period last year, according
to data from the Department of Foreign Employment. The decline in the number of
Nepali workers heading abroad is believed to be the result of the global
economic crisis. The Association of Nepal Foreign Employment Agencies said over
3,000 Nepali migrant workers from Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar and Macau have
already been laid off and sent home.
Despite the crisis, Nepal's total remittance inflows by mid-February reached Rs
100.7 billion, increasing by 67 percent compared to the same period last year,
according to the Nepal Rastra Bank.
Sources: "Remittance inflow grows by 67 pc; exports cross Rs 35 billion,"
Nepalnews.com, 11 March 2009; "Global meltdown affecting foreign
employment," Nepalnews.com, 16 March 2009
Crisis has no impact on Sri Lankan migrants, study says
A recent study shows there has been no decline in the demand for Sri Lankan
workers abroad. Last year, more than 250,000 Sri Lankans were able to land jobs
abroad compared to more than 210,000 in 2007. While the deployment of workers
decreased in February, the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment is looking to
targeting over 260,000 departures by the end of the year.
Source: Anjana Samarasinghe, "Lankan migrant workers 'not hit by global economic
crisis'," Daily News, 11 March 2009
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Burma
(see also Japan, Thailand)
More Burmese workers abroad to lose jobs
A migrant workers group believes that more Burmese migrant workers in Thailand
and Malaysia will lose their jobs due to the economic crisis. A member of the
Burmese Association in Thailand said thousands of migrants ended up unemployed
last year. In Malaysia, the number of laid off migrant workers continues to
soar. The Malaysian government is already sending home unauthorized migrant
workers without prosecuting them. But according to an official from the National
League for Democracy-Liberated Areas in Malaysia, Burmese workers are reluctant
to return home and will do whatever they can to stay in the country.
Source: "Economic crisis causes thousands of Burmese migrants to lose jobs,"
DVB, 11 March 2009
Whipping of unauthorized migrants slammed
Amnesty International has criticized Brunei's policy of whipping foreigners who
attempted to enter or overstay in the country without valid documents. Borneo
Bulletin earlier released Immigration Department data revealing that about
396 foreigners were whipped with rattan canes in the past 5 years. An official
defended the penalty, saying that foreigners must abide by the law and that
other countries have the same punishment for certain crimes.
Source: AP, "Brunei defends whipping 400 immigrants in 5 years," The Jakarta
Post, 2 March 2009
Overseas job opportunities for Cambodians
Hong Kong SAR and the Middle East could be the next popular destination for the
Cambodia's migrant workers, according to the Cambodian Recruitment Agency (CRA).
The agency's president, An Bun Hak, said that the number of job opportunities
has dried up in South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, which are traditional
destinations for Cambodian workers. He said that as many as 2,000 to 3,000
workers can be sent to Hong Kong SAR and Kuwait every year beginning the third
quarter of 2009. At the end of 2008, there were 30,000 Cambodian migrant
workers.
Source: May Kunmakara, "Work agencies target new destinations for migrants,"
Phnom Penh Post, 17 March 2009
Indonesia
(see also UAE,
Australia)
Second batch of nurses to leave for Japan
More than 400 Indonesian nurses will soon be among the second batch of 792
nurses and caregivers who will be sent to work in Japan's health care industry
under the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The nurses, however,
must first pass a competency test and accomplish all other necessary procedures.
The first batch of 208 Indonesian nurses and caregivers have been working in
Japan since they were sent their last month. Under the agreement, Japan will
take in 600 caregivers and 400 nurses from Indonesia for two years to fill in
shortages in the country's medical sector.
Source: "Hundreds of Indonesian nurses to take test to work in Japan," Japan
Today, 20 March 2009
Malaysia
(see also Bangladesh, India)
Malaysia to prioritize locals over foreign workers amid economic crisis
The Malaysian government is working out strategies that will reduce the number
of foreign workers in the country and give more jobs to local citizens to help
them cope with the economic crisis.
The Human Resources Ministry said it is planning to hire 15,000 locals every
month to replace foreign workers in several industries. At least 15 sectors
where citizens could work and replace foreign labor will be identified.
Authorities may also reduce fines that will be charged to employers with
foreigners who have overstayed or who have expired work permits. The fines could
be reduced by as much as 70 percent. The Immigration Department is urging
employers to accept the offer, which is part of the government's strategy to
reduce the number of unauthorized migrant workers in the country.
Recently, the work permit approvals for foreign workers declined by about 70
percent. A Home Ministry official said that from January to February, an average
of 250 permits was approved daily compared with an average of 800 work permits
approved daily last year.
Meanwhile, the government's recent decision to double the levy on bringing in
foreign workers was met with protests from many business owners and employers.
Earlier, four national associations of restaurant owners urged the government to
cancel the levy hike, while other restaurant operators threatened to raise food
prices due to increased costs of hiring workers. The Federation of Malaysian
Manufacturers (FMM) also called on the government to review the policy, warning
that levy hikes could adversely affect businesses and increase unemployment.
Human Resource Minister S Subramaniam said the decision to double the levy was
made to discourage the hiring of overseas labor and to eventually increase the
wages of local workers. On 25 March, the minister said he will ask the Deputy
Prime Minister to give employers a grace period before enforcing the policy,
saying that the government had no intention of forcing the closure of operations
by hiking the levy.
Home Minister Seri Syed Hamid Albar said that with the current freeze on migrant
worker intake in various sectors, especially in manufacturing and services, the
government is looking at reducing the country's foreign labor to 1.8 million by
2010. Albar said that from March to December last year, the government managed
to lower the number of foreign workers by about 60,000 to 2.06 million.
As of 19 March, more than 26,000 workers have been retrenched, including 6,651
foreign workers and 12,674 Malaysian workers, according to Shamsuddin Bardan,
executive director of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). The rest have
been given voluntary separation packages.
Malaysia cancels work visas of 55,000 Bangladeshis
The government cancelled the work visas of about 55,000 Bangladeshi workers,
after labor unions protested against the hiring foreign workers due to worsening
unemployment in Malaysia. Reports surfaced early March that the government had
allowed more than 70,000 Bangladeshi workers to enter the country and fill job
vacancies in the plantation, construction and service sectors. Home Minister
Syed Hamid Albar clarified that the number was 55,147. The Malaysian Trades
Union Congress (MTUC) led the call to cancel the move. An influx of foreign
workers could aggravate worsening unemployment and underemployment in the
country, the MTUC said. Bangladesh has acknowledged Malaysia's decision as
'justified' in light of the economic situation, but has appealed for
reconsideration.
In reaction to the case of the Bangladeshi workers, about 50 civil society
groups from South and Southeast Asia released a joint statement saying that the
premature termination of foreign workers' employment contracts would be a great
injustice, adding that these workers are less likely to get a refund from their
agents if their visas are cancelled.
In related news, the MTUC warned that security problems may arise in the growing
unemployment of foreign workers. There are over 10,000 unemployed legal foreign
workers in the country, many of them idle or taking odd jobs. MTUC
secretary-general G. Rajasekaran said some might resort to petty crimes.
Malaysia marked as human trafficking site
Malaysia has been marked as a destination for human trafficking by the US State
Department's 2008 Human Rights Report. The report said that the country's
human trafficking problem is very serious and has become a source and transit
point for trafficked persons subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation.
Sources: Lim Ai Lee, "Malaysia a
destination for human trafficking, says US," The Star, 3 March 2009; PTI,
"Malaysia to lay off 15,000 foreign employees every month," The Economic
Times, 5 March 2009; M. Krishnamoorthy, "Fines for sending back foreign
workers lowered," The Star, 5 March 2009; "70,000 more Bangladeshi
workers coming to M'sia," The Star, 8 March 2009; Bernama, "'Cancel visas
of 70,000 Bangladeshi workers'," NST Online, 10 March 2009; "Bangladeshis
only for allowed sectors, says minister," The Star, 10 March 2009;
"Malaysia revokes visas for 55,000 Bangladeshi workers," Brunei Online,
11 March 2009; "Malaysia cuts Bangladeshi visas," BBC News, 11 March
2009; Paul Gabriel, "Dhaka appeals for review of visa decision," The Star
Online, 12 March 2009; "Overseas labour levy hiked to reduce foreign
workers: Malaysia," The Hindu, 13 March 2009; AFP, "Malaysia cuts foreign
worker permits by 70 per cent," 16 March 2009; Sim Leoi Leoi, "Parliament:
reducing number of foreign workers," The Star, 17 March 2009; Halimatul
Hamid, "MTUC concerned over 10,000 idle foreign workers," New Straits Times,
20 March 2009; "KL's job-cut style a great injustice," The Daily Star, 24
March 2009; "HR Minister wants doubling of foreign worker levy delayed," The
Star, 25 March 2009; Bernama, "More than 26,000 workers retrenched," 29
March 2009
Philippines
(see also Japan, Saudi Arabia,
Australia)
Thousands of jobs still open to OFWs
About half a million overseas jobs all over the world are still open to Filipino
workers, according to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque. On 2 March, President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced that about 500,000 jobs await overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs). The 500,000 job orders were placed with the Philippine
Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Roque said.
In other news, Qatar is set to issue as many as 120,000 work visas for Filipinos
this year, according to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) there.
The Peninsula reports that about 40,500 work visas are for job orders that
have been processed since last year. About 37,000 more vacancies are still open
to Filipinos, according to Vivo Vidal, POLO Chief in Doha.
More OFWs could also land jobs in South Korea, once the updated Employment
Permit System has been signed by the Philippines and South Korea, according to
Labor Assistant Secretary Reydelus Conferido. The government-to-government
contract is almost finished and is expected to be signed in May.
As many as 25,000 jobs in Canada will be available exclusively for Filipinos
this year, Richard Mills of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said. The initial
number was set at 40,000, but the Canadian government recently slashed the
number to 25,000 due to the economic crisis. The job openings are part of the
memorandum of understanding the Philippines signed with the provinces of British
Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The number of displaced Filipino workers abroad has reached 5,774 as of February
this year, with most of them based in Taiwan, according to the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE). Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said that based on
the latest displacement report, more than 4,000 OFWs were laid off in Taiwan
last year.
But according to the POEA, there are more OFWs securing jobs abroad rather than
those getting laid off. In the first two months of 2009, OFW deployment rose by
27.3 percent compared to the same period last year.
OFWs take more jobs, save more to cope with crisis
More families of OFWs are opting to save more of their remittances due to
expectations of tougher times brought about by the economic crisis. According to
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the number of households that deposited
portions of their remittances to savings rose to 40 percent from January to
March this year, higher than 35.8 in the fourth quarter of 2008. The number of
beneficiaries who also used portions of their remittances for investments
increased slightly.
In other news, many OFWs in the UK now have at least two jobs to cope with the
rising inflation rate in the country, which has dived into a recession, the UK’s
worst recession since 1992. The inflation rate of basic commodities and everyday
items has risen to 3.2 percent, higher than the government's target of two
percent.
Economic crisis could reinforce human trafficking
Labor experts, law enforcers and social workers fear that cases of human
trafficking could increase due to the global economic crisis. Jobless Filipinos
could become increasingly desperate and more aggressive in their search for
jobs, which could make them vulnerable to human traffickers and illegal
recruiters, according to Ferdinand Lavin, Chief of the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) Anti-Human Trafficking Division.
The NBI dealt with 122 human trafficking cases in 2007 and about 130 in 2008.
Since 2003, the Visayan Forum Foundation said it has helped about 32,000 victims
while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) claims to have
assisted about 6,000. A DSWD social worker said most of the victims were women.
Since the anti-trafficking law was enacted in 2003, only 12 convictions had been
made, even though the Department of Justice had filed a total of 573 cases.
Remittances
expected to decline in 2009
Remittances are expected to decline this year due to the global economic crisis.
Citibank’s Asia-Pacific market analysis indicates that remittances may drop to
$11.4 billion this year, about 30 percent lower than $16.4 billion last year.
The World Bank also forecasts a bleak picture for remittances this year, though
it expects only a four percent decline from the remittances sent home in 2008.
The decline in remittance growth seems to have already begun since the beginning
of this year. Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) reported that remittances only climbed up 0.1 percent to $1.265
billion in January this year compared with $1.264 in the same month last year.
The figure is lower than the BSP's projection of a month-on-month growth of 0.8
percent from December. Despite a nearly flat growth rate in January, however,
the BSP expects remittances to increase again in February considering the
remittances newly-deployed workers will be sending home to their families.
Deployment ban to continue until Lebanon signs agreement
As of 26 March, the ban on the deployment of OFWs to Lebanon remains despite the
recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). According to Labor
Secretary Marianito Roque, the lifting of the ban will rely on whether Lebanon
will sign the memorandum of understanding for the employment of OFWs in the
country. He said that no OFW would be allowed to enter Lebanon until its
government complies with the Philippines' labor requirements. Earlier, the DFA
agreed to lift the three-year deployment ban, saying that the armed conflict in
Lebanon has already ended and is no longer a security threat. But Migrante
Middle-East is still urging the government not to lift the ban yet, as conflict
could ensue anytime following the recent assassination of a Palestinian
Liberation Organization (PLO) representative in Lebanon.
Seafarer training project under RP-Japan pact
A joint sailor training project will start training the first batch of 150
Filipino seafarers in April, under an agreement signed recently by Japan and the
Philippines. Filipino participants of the project will be trained for one year.
The Japanese government and shipping industry will be in charge of technical,
financial and personnel assistance for the project.
Senate to amend anti-trafficking law
The Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development is
seeking amendments to Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law,
particularly the provision on confidentiality which could be a factor that puts
many Filipinos at risk of being trafficked. The law stipulates that any
information about the identity and personal circumstances of the accused are not
to be disclosed at any stage of the investigation, prosecution and trial of the
offense. Susan Ople of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center said many traffickers are
able to continue operations because people are not aware of the cases and
identities of the accused.
Assistance to Japanese-Filipino children
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will promote the rights and
welfare of about 200,000 Japanese-Filipino children through a project to be
funded by Toyota Foundation. As part of the project, the IOM will provide direct
assistance through pre-departure and post-departure orientation, livelihood
assistance and Japanese language skills training. The Japanese Nationality Law
was recently amended to allow individuals born out of wedlock to Japanese and
Filipino parents to acquire Japanese citizenship.
Recruiters call for amendment of unified contract scheme
Local recruitment firms are asking the DOLE to amend the controversial "unified
contract" policy to protect OFWs who will be deployed to Saudi Arabia. Inaction
from the Philippine government could leave the local recruitment industry under
the control of the Saudi National Recruitment Committee (Sanarcom), according to
Victor Fernandez, Jr., president of the Philippine Association of Service
Exporters, Inc. (Pasei). If the new scheme pushes through, local recruitment
firms will have to deal with a Saudi recruitment agency that is a member of
Sanarcom. The current system allows local agencies to deal directly with Saudi
employers. Pasei recently sent a proposal to the government for amendments to
the policy.
Protecting OFWs from drug smuggling
The government is drafting a memorandum of understanding that aims to stop OFWs
from being used as drug couriers or "mules." The Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA) is coordinating with the POEA in listing the provisions of the
agreement, such as including a drug awareness lecture in the POEA's
pre-departure seminars for OFWs. The move was prompted by recent reports of
Filipino workers in other countries who were arrested for being drug couriers.
According to the PDEA, drug groups all over the world recruit unsuspecting
travelers to smuggle drugs for a certain sum.
Victims of illegal recruitment, distressed OFWs return home
Thirty-nine Filipinos who were victims of illegal recruitment were repatriated
from Malaysia in mid-March. They were recruited by a Malaysian-based syndicate
headed by a Singaporean trafficker named "Alfred Lim."
Blas F. Ople Policy Center President
Susan Ople called on the government to look more seriously into the illegal
recruitment and trafficking of Filipinos in Malaysia. The center is also urging
the DFA to include human trafficking cases in the discussion during the
country's joint bilateral consultations with Malaysia.
A total of 58 distressed OFWs were repatriated from Jeddah in the first two
months of 2009, according to officials of the Philippine mission there. Most of
the workers were runaway domestic workers who left their employers due to unpaid
wages.
Somali pirates kidnap more Filipino seafarers
More Filipino seamen have been taken by Somali pirates who have seized several
ships in the past months. On 19 March, Somali pirates kidnapped 17 Filipino
seafarers on board a MV Titanas, a Greek-owned bulk carrier that was en route to
South Korea before it was seized. The ship had 24 crew members on board.
Pirates also kidnapped 33 Filipino seamen on board two European chemical tankers
off the coast of Somalia, according to the DFA.
On 14 March, some 30 gunmen raided an oil supply vessel near the
Nigeria-Cameroon border and kidnapped one Ukranian and three Filipino crew
members. It is suspected that the gunmen were Nigerian militants. Gunmen and
pirates have kidnapped more than 200 foreigners in the Niger Delta in the past
three years, releasing them after ransom has been paid. The Delta is a major hub
for Africa's oil and gas industry.
Sentosa nurses file lawsuit against prosecutors
The ten former Sentosa nurses who were charged for endangering patients at
Avalon Gardens Nursing Home after their resignation are planning to sue the
prosecutors of their case. Together with their employment lawyer, Felix Vinluan,
they filed a notice on 25 March, which claims that District Attorney Thomas
Spota and Assistant DA Leonard Lato intentionally misled the grand jury which
had indicted the nurses. The notice also claims that malicious prosecution,
violation of civil rights and legal malpractice were allegedly committed.
Vinluan and supporters of the 27 former Sentosa nurses have also revived their
justice campaign against illegal recruitment in New York.
Bureau of Immigration blacklists HK journalist
Hong Kong SAR journalist Chip Tsao is now on the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
blacklist after calling the Philippines a "nation of servants" in his column
about the disputed Spratlys Islands. Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan
said Tsao will only be removed from the list once he gives a public apology.
Tsao told the Associated Press that he regrets writing the column, while the
publisher of HK Magazine issued a statement of apology for "any offence that may
have been caused by Chip Tsao's column." Tsao's column has sparked protests from
Filipinos around the world and has been criticized by government officials and
representatives from labor and migrant organizations.
Ongoing registration for overseas absentee voting
A total of 21,211 Filipinos have registered for overseas absentee voting (OAV)
as of 16 March 2009 at 3 p.m., according to the DFA. Filipinos in the US
accounted for most of the registrants (4,221), followed by China (2,540), Canada
(1,585) and the UK (1,235). This is the third OAV registration since the passage
of the Overseas Absentee Voting Law in 2003, and runs from 1 February to 31
August.
Sources: Joel Guinto, "Arroyo: 500,000 job openings abroad," Inquirer.net,
2 March 2009; "Jobs abroad still open to Pinoy workers--DOLE,"
abs-cbnNews.com/Report from ANC's Take One, 2 March 2009; Kimberly Jane T.
Tan, "120,000 work visas in Qatar to be made available for Filipinos in 2009,"
GMANews.tv, 5 March 2009; Raymund F. Antonio, "Taiwan has highest number
of displaced workers - DOLE," Manila Bulletin, 5 March 2009; Kimberly
Jane T. Tan, "RP to help prepare global discussion on migrant workers,"
GMANews.tv, 11 March 2009; Kimberly Jane T. Tan, "RP-Japan ink pact to train
Filipino seafarers," GMANews.tv, 13 March 2009; Ronaldo Concha, "58
distressed OFWs repatriated from Jeddah in first 2 months of 2009,"
GMANews.tv, 13 March 2009; "Philippines: Concerns grow over human
trafficking as financial crisis deepens," IRIN, 13 March 2009; AFP,
"Filipino couple to leave Japan without daughter in immigration row," Brunei
Online, 14 March 2009; Nick Tattersall, "Filipinos, Ukrainian taken from
vessel off Cameroon," The Star, 15 March 2009; Charissa M. Luci, "DFA
announces increase in overseas absentee voting registrants," Manila Bulletin,
17 March 2009; Maricel E. Burgonio, "Remittances hardly grew in January,"
Manila Times, 17 March 2009; Mark Joseph H. Ubalde, "More OFW families
saving money amid global slump," GMANews.tv, 17 March 2009; "OFW money
may drop, cutting growth targets," GMANews.tv, 19 March 2009; Kimberly
Jane T. Tan, "Recruiters seek changes in Saudi 'UC' policy," GMANews.tv,
19 March 2009; Kristine L. Alave, "More OFWs could get jobs in South Korea,"
Inquirer.net, 20 March 2009; Kimberly Jane T. Tan, "PDEA moves to shield
OFWs from drug rings," GMANews.tv, 21 March 2009; Mark Joseph H. Ubalde,
"17 Filipino seamen abducted by pirates in Somalia - DFA," GMANews.tv, 23
March 2009; Mayen Jaymalin, "Deployed OFWs up 27%," Philippine Star, 23
March 2009; Kimberly Jane T. Tan, "39 OFW victims of illegal recruitment in
Malaysia get help," GMANews.tv, 24 March 2009; Kimberly Jane T. Tan,
"Congress asked to plug loophole in law on human trafficking," GMANews.tv,
24 March 2009; Raymund F. Antonio, "Recruitment industry leaders ask DoLE to
amend unified contract scheme," Manila Bulletin, 24 March 2009; Mark
Joseph H. Ubalde, "DOLE yet to lift OFW deployment ban to Lebanon,"
GMANews.tv, 25 March 2009; Apples Jalandoni, "25,000 jobs in Canada
exclusively for Pinoys," abs-cbnNews.com/ABS-CBN News, 26 March 2009;
Veronica Uy, "Deployment ban to Lebanon stays - labor chief," Inquirer.net,
26 March 2009; Veronica Uy, "IOM to help 200,000 Japanese-Filipino kids,"
Inquirer.net, 26 March 2009; Kimberly Jane T. Tan, "Int'l group to aid Jap-Fil
kids adjust to life in Japan," GMANews.tv, 27 March 2009; Mark Ubalde and
Kimberly Tan with AP report, "33 Pinoy seamen aboard 2 ships held off Somalia,"
GMANews.tv, 27 March 2009; Llanesca T. Panti, "RP urged to step up fight
against human traffickers," The Manila Times, 28 March 2009; "10 Sentosa
nurses, lawyer to sue New York prosecutors," abs-cbnNews.com, 28 March
2009; Jomel Anthony Gutierrez, "OFWs in UK take double jobs to cope with
crisis," abs-cbnNews.com/ABS CBN Europe News Bureau, 29 March 2009; "Sentosa
nurses re-launch campaign for justice in NY," GMANews.tv, 29 March 2009;
Michelle Remo, "World Bank sees OFW remittances shrinking 4%," Inquirer.net,
30 March 2009; Migrant Watch/Bulatlat.com, "'RP should think twice before
lifting deployment ban to Lebanon'," GMANews.tv, 30 March 2009; Des
Ferriols, "Bangko Sentral sees slight increase in February OFW remittances,"
Philippine Star, 31 March 2009; Tetch Torres, "HK journalist on RP
immigration blacklist," Inquirer.net, 31 March 2009; Agencies, "Hong Kong
writer regrets racial slur against Filipinos," 31 March 2009
Foreign workers take jobs shunned by locals
A total of 16,880 workers were laid off in Singapore last year, including over
13,000 retrenched workers and nearly 3,000 workers whose contracts were
terminated prematurely, according to the 2008 labor market report of the
Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Layoffs tripled in the fourth quarter to a total of
9,410 workers compared to 3,180 in the third quarter. The global economic crisis
has slowed the country's employment growth to 21,300 in the fourth quarter of
2008 compared to 55,700 in the third quarter.
The report also revealed that seven in 10 new jobs went to foreign workers last
year, mostly in the construction and service sectors. Foreigners landed a record
156,900 jobs, while Singaporeans and permanent residents secured 64,700 jobs.
Despite the large proportion of jobs that go to foreign workers, analysts say
that these are usually the jobs local workers do not wish to take, such as
construction or service-related work.
Foreign workers housed in illegal dormitories
About 2,600 foreign workers of over a hundred companies have been living in 16
unapproved dormitories with sub-standard housing conditions, authorities
discovered during a recent joint inspection by several government agencies. The
MOM has issued warnings to 147 companies to relocate their workers to acceptable
accommodations, or their work permits will be cancelled. The joint inspection
was carried out on 10 March and 24 March by officers from the National
Environment Agency, the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Urban
Redevelopment Authority.
Organ payment policy worries lawmakers
The Singaporean government is considering allowing living kidney donors to be
paid, but some lawmakers are concerned that such a policy could attract a large
number of unskilled foreign workers who need to pay off their debts for getting
jobs in the country. A parliamentarian warns that Singapore could be known as a
center for 'transplant tourism,' and was quoted by
The Straits Times as saying that
foreigners, including Indians and Pakistanis are already asking how they can
sell their organs in Singapore. Existing law considers it illegal for a living
donor to be paid.
Sources: "16,880 lost jobs last year," The Straits Times, 16 March 2009;
Jeremy Au Yong, "Bulk of new jobs went to..." The Straits Times, 17 March
2009; AFP, "Singapore cash-for-organs plan raises concern," 24 March 2009; S.
Ramesh, "2,600 foreign workers to be relocated after 147 firms fail dorm
checks," Channel NewsAsia, 25 March 2009; Melissa Sim, "2,600 housed poorly,"
Straits Times, 26 March 2009
Job losses for migrant workers in Thailand
More than two million workers in Thailand could end up unemployed in 2009 due to
the global economic slowdown, according to the Social Security of Thailand. Thai
Labor Solidarity Committee Chair Wilaiwan Sae Tia said migrant workers will most
likely be the first to lose jobs over Thai nationals. Workers from the
electronics, manufacturing, transportation and tourism industries face greater
risks of getting laid off. Last year, more than 93,000 workers were laid off and
over 66,000 lost their jobs early this year. It is estimated that there are at
least two million legal and unauthorized migrant workers in Thailand.
Unauthorized migrants nabbed
Thai immigration authorities arrested 113 Burmese nationals on 17 March. About
76 were charged for unauthorized entry and illegal employment, 24 were charged
for working in jobs not indicated in their permits, and 13 were found without
work permits.
Thailand to work with UNCHR on Rohingya migrants
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya recently met with UNHCR Antonio Guterres and
assured him that there has been significant progress in solving the plight of
the Rohingyas. Earlier, the UNHCR expressed concern over the alleged abuse of
Rohingya migrants found in Indian and Indonesian waters.
The minister also said that Thailand and the UNHCR will release a handbook to
guide officials in screening the Rohingya boat people, such as determining
whether they are Bengalis. Thailand has called on the Burmese government to send
embassy staff members to identify the Bengalis among the boat people. Burma has
agreed to take back the boat people if they have been confirmed as true
Bengalis, a minority group in Burma.
UN report criticizes Thai treatment of migrants, refugees
Thailand's treatment of migrants and refugees has been criticized by a report
commissioned by the UN. According to the report, while Thailand has good laws
for migrants, these are not enforced well. Migrants do not receive the minimum
wage based on Thai law, said Gwi-Yeop Son, the UN's resident coordinator in
Thailand. The country also limits UN access to refugee groups, such as the
Hmong, Rohingya, Shan and North Korean refugees. The report also noted the
country's migrant registration process is becoming more restrictive, which could
lead to more exploitation of undocumented migrants. There are about two million
migrants in Thailand, of which two-thirds are undocumented. Son said about 80
percent of migrants in Thailand are from Burma. The Thai government has taken in
150,000 Burmese refugees and has coordinated with the UN in facilitating their
resettlement.
Thai govt to send Hmong refugees to Laos
Thailand and Laos have agreed to repatriate about 5,000 ethnic Hmong migrants to
Laos before the end of the year. Members of the Thai-Lao Joint Commission
Cooperation also agreed that Thailand will help finance the buildings in a
village outside the Lao capital of Vientiane for the repatriates. The Thai
Foreign Affairs Ministry will also be in charge of contacting other countries
that are willing to take in Hmong refugees for resettlement.
Sources: "Guideline to tackle Rohingya problem," Bangkok Post, 7 March
2009; "Thai FM meets UN on Rohingya refugees," Sydney Morning Herald, 7
March 2009; Hseng Khio Fah, "Over 2 million workers anticipated to be laid off
in Taiwan," Shanlan.org, 10 March 2009; TNA, "Thai authorities nab 113
Myanmar nationals for illegal entry, working," MCOT.net, 17 March 2009;
Thanida Tansubhapol, "Kasit asks Burma for cooperation on Rohingya," Bangkok
Post, 23 March 2009; MNN, "Thailand, Laos agree on Hmong repatriation, land
demarcation," Mathaba.net, 27 March 2009; Daniel Schearf, "Thailand
criticized for treatment of migrants, refugees," VOA News, 31 March 2009
More than 2,500 Vietnamese victims of trafficking rescued
Over 2,500 Vietnamese trafficked victims, mostly women and children, were
repatriated safely in 2008, according to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and
Social Affairs (MoLISA). The ministry also provided free health check-ups and
new jobs for the victims. The MoLISA is planning to raise awareness of human
trafficking in rural and remote areas and to help establish centers that will
assist trafficked victims.
Deployment of Vietnamese workers
A total of 17,798 Vietnamese workers were sent abroad in the first two months of
this year, according to the Overseas Labor Management Department of the MoLISA.
Most of the workers were deployed to Taiwan, South Korea, the United Arab
Emirates and Bahrain. Vietnam is aiming to send 85,000 workers abroad this year.
About 6,000 Vietnamese workers abroad were laid off and sent home last year due
to the economic slowdown, according to Labor Minister Nguyen Thi Kim. The
minister also said as many as 300,000 to 400,000 people in Vietnam could lose
their jobs this year.
Sources: VNS, "Victims of trafficking helped to return home," 4 March 2009;
"Nearly 18,000 workers head abroad," Viet Nam News, 14 March 2009;
Reuters, "Vietnam govt sees up to 400,000 more jobless in '09," 20 March 2009
PACIFIC
Australia
(see also New Zealand)
Immigrants boost Australia’s population; fewer international visitors
In the year to September 2008, Australia's population jumped 389,000 to 21.5
million, an increase of 1.84 percent, according to the New Australian Bureau of
Statistics. Of the 389,000, about 235,900 people were migrants.
Immigration Department figures reveal that international visitors to Australia
recently suffered a decline, with the number of business visas falling by 30
percent in January compared with the same period last year and with temporary
skilled migrants visas dropping by 33 percent since September. An Australian
Commerce and Industry executive said business travel is usually one of the first
targets of companies when cutting costs amid a global economic crisis. However,
there has been no decline in international student visits. The Education
Ministry last month reported that overseas enrollments from last year jumped
20.7 percent to 543,898. From 2007 to 2008, the inflow of international students
pumped $14.2 billion in Australia's economy.
Australia to slash migrant worker intake by 14 percent
Australia will cut down its migrant worker intake by 14 percent or by 18,500
over the next three months to provide more jobs for locals amid the global
economic crisis. The cut will decrease the skilled migrant worker intake from
133,500 to 115,000 for the financial year 2008-09. The Rudd government has
removed jobs in the building and manufacturing sector from the critical skills
list. Only health, medical, engineering and ICT professions will remain in the
list. Australia's unemployment rate in February rose to 5.2 percent from 4.8
percent.
Supplier of unauthorized workers discovered
Authorities recently discovered a fraud racket supplying an estimated 100
Chinese workers to meatwork companies in Australia, prompting early morning
raids across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Immigration Ministry
investigators received a tip from various sources about a labor contractor
bringing in Chinese workers into Australia's meat industry by using fake
identities and passports. Five unauthorized workers were arrested and 79 others
were also identified.
South Australia to hire Filipino workers for mining industry
The South Australian government will soon sign an agreement with the Philippine
Department of Labor and Employment that will bring in 30,000 Filipino workers
into the Australian workforce by June 2009. The government aims to fill in
vacancies in the mining sector to allow the industry to recover. Many have
criticized the move and stressed that jobs must go to Australian workers.
Australia-Indonesia work and holiday visa agreement
A new work and holiday visa scheme will allow Australians aged between 18 to 30
to work and vacation in Indonesia for up to 12 months without having to meet
sponsorship requirements. Indonesians falling under the same age range will also
be allowed to fly to Australia under the same scheme. Immigration Minister Chris
Evans said this decision by both Australia and Indonesia will encourage young
people from both countries to learn new cultures and lifestyles. The government
denies that the scheme is contradictory to the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (DFAT) travel advisory warning travelers to reconsider their visit to
Indonesia due to threats of terrorist attacks.
Australia develops guidelines for helping trafficked people
The Australian government has released new guidelines for non-government
organizations in dealing with human trafficking victims. The guidelines include
ethical ways of getting informed consent from a victim before dealing with their
case and protecting the victim's privacy. Jennifer Burns of the Anti-Slavery
Project at the University of Technology in Sydney considers the new guidelines
as an "invaluable tool for the community and welfare groups who work so hard to
protect the rights of trafficking victims," as quoted by the Australian
Associated Press.
Australia removes detention bill for asylum seekers
Immigration detainees who have been granted asylum will no longer be required to
pay for the cost of detention, under the new law introduced by the Australian
government. Existing debts of current and former detainees will also be
cancelled, but there will be no refunds for those who already paid. Those who
have been convicted of smuggling or illegal fishing, however, will still have to
pay detention costs.
Source: Xinhua, "New guidelines to treat trafficked people in Australia,"
People.com, 3 March 2009; Adam Gartrell, "Indon travel message 'not
contradictory'," Sydney Morning Herald, 3 March 2009; "Foreign workers
may take SA jobs," Australian Mining, 4 March 2009; Paul Maley, "Visitor
drought hits home," The Australian, 7 March 2009; Yuko Narushima,
"Immigration blitz nets nearly 100 meatworkers," Sydney Morning Herald,
12 March 2009; Michelle Grattan and Peter Martin, "Skilled migrants cutback,"
The Age, 16 March 2009; Carol Nader, "Booms in migrants and babies," The
Age, 19 March 2009; AFP, "Australia to end detention charges for asylum
seekers," Taipei Times, 19 March 2009
Fewer New Zealand migrants heading to Australia
Fewer New Zealanders moved to Australia in February, according to Statistics NZ.
In the year to February, a net of 34,400 people left for Australia on a
permanent or long-term basis, down from the record net outflow of 35,400 for
both the December and January years. In the year to February, there were 47,500
departures to Australia, while there were 13,100 arrivals from Australia.
Govt may cut migrant worker intake
The government may consider cutting down New Zealand's intake of migrant workers
on temporary work permits to reserve more job opportunities for locals,
according to a report in The Press. Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman
said he is expecting the Department of Labor to ensure that there are fewer
migrant workers in the country during the recession. Coleman also said his
ministry would investigate the case of 28 local workers who were laid off at a
MCK Metals Pacific in New Plymouth while the company's Filipino welders were
able to keep their jobs.
Eco-migrants find new home in New Zealand
Many British eco-migrants are moving to New Zealand to avoid the possible
impacts of climate change in the UK. They are part of the growing number of
British migrants who have found a new home in this country, which has islands
famous for their temperate weather and clean environment. According to
Statistics NZ, more than 18,000 British residents have moved to New Zealand last
year.
Sources: "Aussie migration flow slows in Feb," NZ Herald News, 20 March
2009; Colin Espiner, "Govt set to restrict migrants," The Press, 25 March
2009; Jonathan Leake and Anna Rushworth, "British eco-migrants flee to New
Zealand," Times Online, 29 March 2009
|
Editors |
Fabio Baggio and Maruja Asis |
|
Researchers |
Karen Liao, Ma. Leonila Domingo and John Paul Asis |
|
Citation |
Asian Migration News,
31 March 2009 |
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Past Issues |
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Correspondence |
Scalabrini Migration Center |