New Delhi, April 06: With a large number of Indian workers landing up on the wrong side of the law in foreign countries, specially Malaysia, the government has issued an advisory against unscrupulous recruiting agents.
A statement issued by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs said, “It has come to the notice of the government that a large number of workers misguided by some unscrupulous Indian as well as Malaysian recruiting agents are emigrating to Malaysia without proper documentation about their employment, foreign employer and employment contract. As a result, such Indian workers become vulnerable to exploitation by their employers in Malaysia and often get stranded in Malaysia without work and then lodge complaints with the Indian high commission at Kuala Lumpur.”
The high commission has formulated guidelines for Indian workers who want to take up legal employment in Malaysia. The ministry said that Indian workers intending to seek legal employment in Malaysia should get themselves familiarised with the laws and working conditions in Malaysia and ensure legal documentation. Among the documentation that is required is a resident permit or identity card and a labour card. The government has also suggested that workers keep their passports in safe custody and not part with their travel documents like passport and employment contract signed by them in India.
Among the safeguards that Indian workers have been asked to practise are keeping a copy of their passport with them. Workers are also cautioned not to sign another employment contract or any blank paper during their stay in Malaysia. In case of loss of passport or copy of the employment contract, a report can be lodged with the high commission.
—Agencies