KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Bar marked International Migrants Day 2025 by reaffirming its commitment to protecting migrant workers and ensuring they are treated with dignity and fairness in Malaysia.

Its President, Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said ratifying the convention would strengthen legal protection and ensure migrant workers receive fair treatment and access to justice.

He also highlighted the vital role migrants play in Malaysia’s economy, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and services, where foreign labour remains essential.

“Migrant workers play an indispensable role in Malaysia’s socio-economic development, and they must be protected not just as workers, but as human beings with fundamental rights,” he said.

As of September last year, Malaysia had about 2.4 million active foreign workers, making up nearly 15% of the country’s total workforce.

Despite their contributions, many migrant workers continue to face challenges such as limited access to justice, weak social protection, unfair employment practices and barriers caused by language and legal complexity.

In response, the Malaysian Bar called on the government to sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICMW).

The Bar said the convention sets global standards to protect migrant workers throughout the migration process, including recruitment, employment, family life and return to their home countries.

In addition, the bar noted that a study by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) found gaps between Malaysian laws and the protections outlined in the ICMW.

According to the study, the convention strengthens non-discrimination protections and places clear responsibilities on governments to safeguard the rights of migrant workers and their families.

The Malaysian Bar said adopting the convention would show Malaysia’s commitment to human rights while providing stronger safeguards against exploitation, abuse and unequal treatment.

On the other hand, the bar also expressed appreciation to former Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and welcomed the appointment of Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, saying it looks forward to continued engagement on migrant worker protection.