MP Duncan Demands Answers on Government’s Migration Policies

On 13th November 2025, Duncan formally directed these inquiries to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Labour, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, and the Attorney General. His questions delve into unaddressed issues in the government’s evolving approach to migration governance, particularly with respect to enforcement, residency identification, and the treatment of migrant workers. The portfolio of concerns is extensive, covering everything from riverine entry points to work permits, all while highlighting the absence of legislative frameworks that should underpin these critical aspects of national policy.

Duncan’s letter articulates the urgency for the government to clarify how it oversees migration in regions with significant cross-border movement. With particular emphasis on the monitoring of unmanned entry points, he challenges the government’s capacity to manage undocumented migration effectively. Inquiries include details on daily monitoring efforts and the operational status of systems designed to track migrant flows. The implications of inadequate monitoring raise serious security concerns and point to a potential failure in governance by the ruling party.

The MP has specifically questioned the Minister of Labour about the legal basis for work permit issuance, underscoring a glaring lack of transparency regarding the frameworks guiding the employment of migrant workers. He asks for specifics on the legislation that currently governs this process, highlighting the precarious situation of thousands of migrant workers who are currently contributing to vital sectors of our economy including construction and hospitality, yet are left with no clear guidelines or protections under the law.

Additionally, Duncan draws attention to the alarming enforcement discrepancies against employers hiring undocumented migrants. He remarked, “Government officials have publicly stated that employers hiring undocumented migrants will face penalties.” Yet, with the absence of publicly available enforcement data, it raises serious questions regarding the government’s commitment towards ensuring compliance among employers who are increasingly relying on undocumented labour.

Duncan’s inquiries further probe into the use of the Electronic Identification (E-ID) system for confirming residency status among migrants. He points out that, while government officials have indicated a move towards utilising this system, “Parliament has not approved any primary legislation authorising such use.” This raises significant concerns about the legality and fairness of employing such technology without proper legislative support, particularly when vulnerable migrant populations are involved.

Another critical aspect raised concerns the requirement for migrants to obtain an E-ID before accessing employment, housing, or essential services. Duncan questioned whether such a policy exists, and under what legal authority it would be enforced, given the lack of publicly available information on the subject. This ambiguity can lead to potential exploitation, especially in a climate where many migrants are already at risk of discrimination and denial of their rights.

The proposed creation of a new residency category that would deny voting rights to migrants represents yet another worrying development. Duncan’s call for clarification on whether the government is considering this controversial move highlights serious constitutional implications that could alter the landscape of citizenship in our nation. He insists on understanding what Constitutional amendments might be needed to implement such a significant change, querying whether any legal opinion supporting such a proposal has been documented.

Lastly, the MP delves into the governmental decision history regarding migration, calling for transparency on Cabinet discussions and the legislative roadmap for developing a coherent and inclusive migration policy. He aptly noted, “The public has not been informed of Cabinet’s decision history,” indicating an alarming lack of accountability from the current administration that has repeatedly sidestepped straightforward dialogue with both Parliament and the general public.

Given the current socio-political landscape, these inquiries come at a crucial juncture. They not only demand transparency and accountability from the government but also signal a growing urgency within Parliament to address the rights of migrants — who, despite their vital contributions to our economy, remain in a precarious legal and social position.