KATHMANDU: A recent study has uncovered severe exploitation of Nepali workers held in detention centers in Malaysia, prompting urgent calls for rescue efforts. The joint study conducted by the Migrant Nepali Coordination Committee (PNCC) and the Center for the Study of Labor and Mobility (CESLAM) highlights a significant increase in exploitation compared to previous periods. Published on Sunday, the report analyzes the experiences of 758 Nepali workers who were repatriated to Nepal after being detained in Malaysian deportation centers.
The report urges immediate action from the Nepali Embassy in Malaysia to actively monitor these detention centers and collaborate closely with local authorities for the rescue and proper treatment of detained workers. It stresses the critical need for enhanced coordination to ensure effective oversight and support for Nepali detainees, many of whom face delays in accessing legal protection.
One major concern raised in the report is the exorbitant costs associated with legal services in Malaysia, which pose significant financial burdens on detained workers. According to the study, the expense of hiring a lawyer is substantial, and delays in appointing legal representation often lead to prolonged court proceedings, causing additional stress for the workers and their families.
Furthermore, the study highlights a notable trend of Nepali workers being arrested, particularly those who have left their employment companies in Malaysia. It reveals that 61 percent of the individuals detained had left their respective companies prior to arrest. The reasons for detention range from conflicts with colleagues or employers to serious offenses such as murder, theft, drug-related crimes, and other illicit activities like the sale of counterfeit alcohol, gambling, and kidnapping.
