Kathmandu, Jan. 2 -- On 31 December Malaysia's amnesty program for migrant workers called 'Back for Good' (B4G) came to an end. By paying RM700 ($170) and tickets back home, the scheme gave undocumented migrant workers an opportunity to return home without facing the penalty of up to RM10,000 ($2,500) for overstaying, and imprisonment of up to five years.
Over 17,000 raids were conducted in 2019 alone, and many Nepali workers were caught up in the dragnet. Nepalis become undocumented despite being aware of the risks and consequences of getting caught, and some employers are equally involved in the process, but get away with little consequence.
"What was different this time was the proactive role played by the Nepal embassy in Kuala Lumpu...