Immigration to help deal with Rohingya refugees
PORT DICKSON: The Immigration Department will work closely with the Home Ministry on the possible influx of Rohingya refugees, following the escalating crisis in Rakhine state in Myanmar.
Its director-general, Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, said the department would ensure tasks within its jurisdiction were conducted according to policies lined out by the ministry and government, without compromising the country’s security.
“We are aware that the current situation in Myanmar has forced the Rohingya Muslims to cross into neighbouring countries in their efforts to save their lives.
“The department will follow policies decided by the government in dealing with the influx of Rohingya refugees here.
“We will ensure that our duties and responsibilities are carried out to ensure our sovereignty and national security are guaranteed.
“Although we do not compromise on immigrants, this issue (Rohingya) must follow the government’s stipulated policies,” he said after launching the Basic Course Training Grade KP19 Series 3 at the Immigration Academy Malaysia (AIMM) here yesterday.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak sent off a humanitarian mission team to aid Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, which is part of the “Negaraku Prihatin” campaign, focusing on spreading humanitarian awareness.
It was reported that the Bangladeshi government had taken in more than 350,000 Rohingya refugees since October last year.