THE Ministry of Home Affairs, in its reply on Monday ('Wilful breach of border security can't be condoned') may have misinterpreted the crux of the letter from Home, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics ('Prosecute human traffickers and protect scam victims'; Aug 10).
The point of Home's letter was about a greater need to protect migrant workers who have been victims of scam agents and punish those who deliberately deceive them. Instead, the ministry emphasised the need to protect Singapore's borders about which there is no dispute. Singapore must protect its borders, and this includes thorough investigations to prosecute human traffickers.
However, it is not always the case that humans are smuggled covertly in the boot of cars or in small speedboats.
A critical distinction needs to be made between immigration offenders who may have breached immigration law as a result of the wilful deception of others, and criminals who are a proven threat to the community and national security.
The first situation may arise when migrant workers are coerced or deceived into accepting and paying for jobs overseas, only to realise after their arrival that:
Often in debt after having paid thousands of dollars in recruitment fees, such victims may choose to stay in such situations for fear of further punishment and deportation.
The current tendency towards criminalising all immigration offenders without discrimination results in such workers being punished, despite the fact that it is the scam agents and unethical employers who deceived them who should be fined and jailed.
Authorities tasked with protecting our borders and keeping Singapore safe should also offer protection to those who have been cheated and exploited and currently reside in Singapore, regardless of their immigration status.
With our efficient networks and technological prowess, enhanced coordination between the immigration authorities and the Ministry of Manpower can lead to greater improvements on both fronts.
Stephanie Chok (Ms)
WE REFER to Ms Stephanie Chok's letter ('Protect, don't punish, them'; Aug 21). We have not misunderstood or misinterpreted the letter from Home, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics ('Prosecute human traffickers and protect scam victims'; Aug 10).
Indeed, we have no disagreement with Home. As our reply ('Wilful breach of border security can't be condoned'; Aug 16) pointed out, we should treat foreign workers who have been cheated or deceived, like we do all victims of crime and provide protection of the law and investigate to prosecute the offender.
If Ms Chok or Home has evidence and information to share in such cases, we welcome it so that we can investigate and charge the offenders.
What we cannot agree with is Home's assertion that all illegal workers in Singapore should be treated as 'undocumented migrants' and that they should be exempt from liability for offences they may have committed under the Immigration Act. No one should be above the law whether he is a foreigner or local, worker or employer.
Those who breach our border security by illegally entering the country pose a serious security threat and will be prosecuted. Those who enter the country legally but disregard our laws and overstay must also be accountable for their actions under the law, even though consideration may be given to the mitigating circumstances relevant to their cases in determining eventual prosecution outcomes.
This includes their being victims of deception, cheating and the cooperation they provide to the authorities to apprehend those who have exploited them.
Many of such syndicates operate in the countries of these illegal workers. Even though they may be outside our jurisdiction, we are prepared to work with the law enforcement and immigration authorities of these countries and provide all information which we may have to assist in their investigation against such syndicates which exploit migrant workers.
Toh Yong Chuan
Director (Corporate Relations)
Ministry of
Home Affairs
They come here to work.
Pity them that they leave their family behind and come so far away from their country to work here and get this kind of shit.
Originally posted by likeyou:They come here to work.
Pity them that they leave their family behind and come so far away from their country to work here and get this kind of shit.
haiz..