The government identified 650 potential victims in 2013significantly fewer than the 1.096 potential victims identified in 2012. It reported fewer investigations (89 compared to 190) and fewer convictions (nine compared to 21) compared to the previous year. Furthermore. in January. 2013. the Malaysian Government implemented a policy that places the burden of paying immigration and employment authorization fees on foreign workers rather than on employers. increasing the risk of workers falling into debt bondage. And. while nearly a year has passed since the State Department issued its 2014 reportas recently as April 17. this past monththe U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia said the Malaysian Government needs to show greater political will in prosecuting human traffickers and protecting their victims if the country hopes to improve on its current lowest ranking in the TIP Report.
Keywords matched
immigration