“It is immoral because migrant workers are one of the least paid and most exploited workers in the country.

“The government appears intent on continuing this oppressive and corrupt system that continuously profits from the poor and the vulnerable,” the statement read.

Glorene noted that the RM1,000 increase in current levy rates was simply too much for migrants, as most migrant workers earn a minimum wage of RM900.

“On the other hand, a Malaysian needs to pay taxes only when they earn more than RM3,000 a month.

“It is unjust because a basic minimum wage regulation must be applied to all workers as it enables workers to meet their basic needs and live above the poverty line.”

Glorene was responding to the government’s recent decision to restructure the levy rate system for foreign workers, beginning February 1, with the levy for foreign workers in the manufacturing and construction sector costing RM2,500, and for the service and agriculture sectors RM1,500.

“The government is expected to earn RM2.5 billion in revenue from the levy on 2.3 million documented workers.”

Tenaganita also urged the government to channel part of the levies paid by migrant workers to healthcare, which includes hospitalisation and treatment of migrant workers, including providing treatment for diseases such as tuberculosis.

“The government is in debt to these migrant workers. It can only begin repaying this debt by respecting the rights and dignity of migrant workers.”