The recalibration programme, which was launched last November, has been unable to take off because of enforcement activities that are still ongoing, say activists.

Adrian Pereira of the North-South Initiative said the organisation was also mooting a dialogue with relevant departments especially the home affairs ministry, over the matter.

“The raids continue, and this has become a big problem because, while you announce a recalibration programme, enforcement still continues,” he said during a forum on the challenges faced by migrant workers, refugees, domestic workers and foreign spouses during the Covid-19 pandemic, organised by the Migrant Workers Rights to Redress Coalition.

Meanwhile, Irene Xavier, executive director of Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor said because of the continuing arrests and detention, workers feared dealing with the government to get themselves legalised.

She said many workers have shown interest in the recalibration programme, but had doubts about their own safety.

“They’re asking if they will be safe from detention if they apply to join this programme.”

Migrant workers cannot directly apply for recalibration, and need to go through their employers.

Employers, meanwhile, have been told that the Immigration Department will be closed until June.

“Therefore, so many undocumented workers are working, but cannot officially participate in the recalibration. There are many obstacles to the success of this programme.”

The NGOs stressed that a comprehensive policy towards migrant workers was crucial to solve the structural problems affecting workers.

“They (the government) cannot go on with ad hoc policies like they’re doing now. You cannot have ad hoc policies and expect migrant workers to participate, that is unfair on the part of the government,” Irene said.

“The government is unclear about what they want to do.”

Last November, the government announced the Illegal Immigrant Recalibration Plan. It consists of two main components — Return Recalibration Programme and the Labour Recalibration Programme.

The first allows them to go back to their home countries and the second to have themselves legalised and join the workforce here.

Those who opt to stay can then be employed subject to stringent conditions determined by the government through the Immigration Department and the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department.

The programme is set to last till June 30.