Malaysia to deport undocumented migrants, some of whom are positive for coronavirus

Text by: Gabrielle Maréchaux Follow

In Malaysia, migrant workers, who often live in very crowded conditions, have been fueling the resentment of a country under confinement since March 18. After a series of mass arrests and increasingly populated detention centers where three outbreaks of the epidemic have been declared, Malaysia is now planning to request the expulsion of these migrant workers to their countries of origin, and calls for this. help from their respective governments.

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With our correspondent in Kuala Lumpur,

"  Help us to expel undocumented workers from your countries  ". Here is the message that Malaysia has sent to several countries in South Asia. While the borders are still closed, the pandemic is still not under control, and three detention centers have become clusters, Malaysia persists in its repressive policy.

In the past month, nearly 2,000 migrant workers have been arrested, and nearly 400 have subsequently been found to be positive for coronavirus. But this week some will be deported to their country. Nearly 4,800 Indonesians will start to leave, provided their country is tested negative for Covid-19. The Nepalese and Bangladeshi will then follow, with the cooperation of their country.

The other nations have not yet expressed their position. The situation in Burma is particularly likely to raise questions following a precedent: mid-May 400 migrants had already been repatriated to Rangoon to make more room in detention centers, ensures a Burmese diplomat, and of return to the country, five had tested positive.

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• Coronavirus
• Confinement
• Malaysia
• Immigration