Immigration dragnet hauls in 10 asylum seekers
Pauline PuahPublished: Mar 1, 2005 11:27 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
Ten asylum seekers were among illegal immigrants arrested today, the first day of the massive crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Ten asylum seekers were among illegal immigrants arrested today, the first day of the massive crackdown on illegal immigrants.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Kuala Lumpur Volker Turk said most of them are Acehnese from Indonesia and members of the Chin tribe from Burma.
"Our protection officers have been sent to verify whether they are people of our concern," he said when contacted today.
However, Turk noted that most of the documented refugees or asylum seekers who have been held by the authorities have been immediately released if they can produce relevant documents.
"This shows that the government recognises the documents issued by UNHCR. This is very encouraging," he said, in reference to previous occasions when such papers have had no effect in conferring protection on holders.
Verification hotlines
Turk also said three 24-hour hotlines have been opened at the UNHCR office for asylum seekers and refugees who require assistance, as well as for enforcement officers who wish to check the validity of UNHCR papers held by those arrested.
Malaysia has, to date, refused to recognise the status of refugees on grounds that it is not a party to the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees.
This has raised concerns for the safety and well being of refugees and asylum seekers caught up in the dragnet to deport illegal immigrants.
UNHCR has alerted its staff here to give protection to asylum seekers or refugees if they are affected by the crackdown.
The government started a nationwide crackdown on illegal migrants when the amnesty period expired at midnight yesterday.
Human rights groups are worried that the crackdown - involving some 300,000 police officers, government officers and civilian volunteers - may lead to human rights violations.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Kuala Lumpur Volker Turk said most of them are Acehnese from Indonesia and members of the Chin tribe from Burma. "Our protection officers have been sent to verify whether they are people of our concern," he said when contacted today.
However, Turk noted that most of the documented refugees or asylum seekers who have been held by the authorities have been immediately released if they can produce relevant documents.
"This shows that the government recognises the documents issued by UNHCR. This is very encouraging," he said, in reference to previous occasions when such papers have had no effect in conferring protection on holders.
Verification hotlines
Turk also said three 24-hour hotlines have been opened at the UNHCR office for asylum seekers and refugees who require assistance, as well as for enforcement officers who wish to check the validity of UNHCR papers held by those arrested.
Malaysia has, to date, refused to recognise the status of refugees on grounds that it is not a party to the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees. This has raised concerns for the safety and well being of refugees and asylum seekers caught up in the dragnet to deport illegal immigrants.
UNHCR has alerted its staff here to give protection to asylum seekers or refugees if they are affected by the crackdown.
The government started a nationwide crackdown on illegal migrants when the amnesty period expired at midnight yesterday.
Human rights groups are worried that the crackdown - involving some 300,000 police officers, government officers and civilian volunteers - may lead to human rights violations.
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