Migrant workers involved in work-related disputes and court cases in Malaysia should have their visas extended, said the Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM).

This was among points raised by the group in a statement that also called for wider protection of migrant workers, particularly in view of Malaysia's stringently enforced policy against illegal immigrants.

On Wednesday, APMM staged a protest in front of the Malaysian consulate in Hong Kong, which more than 30 people from various regional and local organisations attended.

The group also submitted a petition signed by 260 individuals and organisations from 21 countries, against the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants in Malaysia. The petition is expected to be sent to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Representatives of the Asian Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International-Asia Pacific, Far East Nepalese Overseas Association, Asosiasi Tenaga Kerja Indonesia and the United Filipinos in Hong Kong delivered speeches of solidarity during the demonstration.

"APMM has strongly appealed for a stop to the persecution of undocumented migrants and to provide them a choice of whether or not to stay in the country based on humanitarian considerations," the statement said.

Review policy

The organisation was formed in March 2002 to work with migrants of different nationalities particularly in Hong Kong and South Korea.

It is concerned with the way the crackdown is being conducted in Malaysia, where half a million officials and civilian security force volunteers have been deployed to round up illegal immigrants.

"A special commission on migration should be established to come up with a comprehensive policy that upholds the rights of migrant workers," it said.

It claimed that Ops Tegas, which began on Tuesday after an extended amnesty period expired, was in breach of the Bangkok Declaration on irregular (undocumented) migrants. The Malaysian government had signed this on April 23, 1999.

Among others, the declaration states that "irregular migrants should be granted humanitarian treatment, including appropriate health and other services, while the cases of irregular migration are being handled according to law. Any unfair treatment towards them should be avoided."

Scores of migrants fell ill due to unhygienic conditions at detention centres, while a number of women alleged being sexually abused the first crackdown in 2002.

APMM called for repeal of the Immigration Act 2002, which provides for those convicted to be fined or jailed and whipped, saying there is a need to implement an immigration policy that complies with international human rights standards and instruments.

Despite the arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants conducted since 1986, there has been an increase in the number illegal immigrants into Malaysia.

"Unless the root causes of forced migration are addressed, the number of undocumented migrants will continue," APMM noted.