320 East Java Migrant Workers Deported from Malaysia

Surabaya, E Java (Antara)- As many as 320 migrant workers from East Java have been deported by the Malaysian Government for working illegally there, since January 2017.

"I have received reports that up to February 2017, 320 people have been deported from Malaysia to Indonesia," Deputy Governor of East Java Saifullah Yusuf said here, Sunday.

In 2015, a total of 8,000 migrant workers had been deported and 6,000 people in 2016, by the Malaysian authorities.

He reminded migrant workers from East Java to make sure that they have legal working permits before leaving for the neighboring country.

"If in the past there was a chance, but now and in the future, don't ever think of working illegally there because it is very tight currently," he said.

Yusuf said many Indonesian workers ended up in Malaysian jails for  having no working permits. And several others died in sea accidents for trying to enter Malaysia illegally, he added.

The East Java administration has also urged migrant workers to  attend training to improve their skills before seeking jobs in Malaysia.(*)