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)