23 February 2005—Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jose S. Brillantes today begins level meetings with Malaysian officials to discuss ways of ensuring the interest and welfare of Filipino migrants in Malaysia in the light of the on-going enforcement of the new immigration rules.

Undersecretary Brillantes leads a high level Philippine Government delegation for official talks from 21 to 26 February 2005.   The delegation includes Labor Undersecretary Manuel D. Imson and Social Welfare Undersecretary Celia Yangco.

The Inter-agency composition and high level of this delegation reflect the importance accorded by the Philippine Government to the concerns of Filipino migrants in Malaysia.

The Philippine officials will meet Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid and Human Resources Minister Dr. Fong Chan Onn.

The Delegation will convey the Philippine Government’s appreciation for the leniency observed by the Malaysian Government in dealing with undocumented Filipino immigrants in Malaysia through its amnesty and “soft approach” programs.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo is scheduled to visit Malaysia sometime in March to personally convey President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s appreciation to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and to ensure that Philippine government assistance is effectively delivered to the concerned Filipinos.

In the course of the meetings, the DFA-DOLE-DSWD delegation would discuss a mechanism whereby the Philippines and Malaysia could discuss labor and immigration issues. In particular, the proposed mechanism would look into options for the re-entry and re-employment of Filipinos who avail of the amnesty program.

Considering reports that a number of Filipinos without the proper immigration papers continue to stay in Malaysia, particularly in the Eastern States, the delegation will reiterate the request of the Philippine Government for a humane, orderly and systematic repatriation.

On their arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Philippine Embassy officials led by Charge d’ Affaires Luis T. Cruz briefed the delegation on the situation of Filipinos in Malaysia, the strengthening of the mobile team in Sabah and the matters that may be raised with the Malaysian officials.  END
 

/jay