KOTA KINABALU: The announcement of a special card for refugees and stateless people is seen as a good move and the first step towards addressing the issue of undocumented immigrants living in Sabah, says a non-governmental organisation (NGO) here.

       However, the process must be transparent to avoid doubts among the people, said Anne Baltazar, founder of Anak (Advocates for Non-discrimination and Access to Knowledge), which pursues the fulfilment of basic rights for every child, regardless of background or immigration status.

       “Inaction will cause more problems for the state and the people living here, since the number of those affected will grow larger every year and more resources will be needed to address the issue.

       “However, the process needs to be done in a transparent and collaborative manner.

       “This includes involving experts from NGOs, academics and (representatives of) affected communities,” she told The Star on Friday (June 3).

       Baltazar also stressed the need to keep tabs on syndicates that might take the opportunity to abuse the cards.

       “Syndicates have been thriving off people's desperation for documentation.

       “I would caution the government enforcement to be wary of those who would take advantage of the situation to deceive and make money from the affected people,” she said.

       ALSO READ: Sabah set to issue foreigner cards for refugees, stateless people

       On Thursday (June 2), Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said Sabah was set to go ahead with the issuance of the card for the groups broadly dubbed "inland foreigners”.

       These include Filipino refugees issued with an Immigration pass (Imm13), Special Task Force census certificate and the Kad Burung Burung (issued in the 1980s by the state government), with the special card to be renewable every year.

       Kitingan said biometric data will be collected when issuing the card, which would allow inland foreigners to send their children to schools or hospitals, pay for services arranged for foreigners, as well as open bank accounts and not be exploited by employers.