HIGH COMMISSION CAUTIONS PAKISTANIS OF "MAFIA AGENTS"

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The Pakistan High Commission here has
advised its nationals who plan to come to work in Malaysia to be aware of what
it described as "mafia agents" who are out to exploit them.

In a statement here, the high commission said Pakistanis who planned to come
to Malaysia should contact the relevant authorities of both countries and to
adhere to rules pertaining to immigration and work.

It also cautioned Pakistani overseas promoters to desist from entertaining
any demand from Malaysia which was not endorsed by the Foreign Ministry or the
Home Ministry of Malaysia and not routed through the Pakistan High Commission.

"This is to avoid exploitation of the workers at the hands of fake
recruitment agents and ghost employers," it said.

The High Commission estimates that there are 39,000 Pakistanis living in
Malaysia, including 28,000 workers, 3,000 students and 8,000 expatriates.


It also said that its community welfare officer made 34 visits to detention
camps in Malaysia to provide consular services to over 171 Pakistanis who were
serving detention due to various immigration offences.

During his visits to the camp, the officer assisted the detainees in
facilitating telephonic conversation with their families in Pakistan, assisting
them in various needs such as medical, passports and travels requirements, it
said.

-- BERNAMA