What distinguishes foreigner cards from permanent residency or citizenship?

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Foreigner Cards Are Distinct from Permanent Residency or Citizenship

Foreigner cards are not intended to confer permanent residency or citizenship status. The proposed foreigner cards in Sabah aim to address the issue of undocumented migrants by potentially resolving manpower shortages and facilitating the identification of criminal elements. This initiative has faced resistance, with the Sabah government having previously rejected the proposal.
Purpose of Foreigner Cards

The primary objective of introducing foreigner cards, as suggested by the Home Minister, is to manage the population of undocumented migrants in Sabah. This measure is presented as a solution to a perceived "time bomb" that could lead to social problems, particularly concerning individuals born without documentation who have resided in the state for extended periods. The cards are specifically designed to avoid granting permanent residency or citizenship.
Potential Benefits for Manpower and Security

Beyond addressing the undocumented migrant population, the foreigner cards are also envisioned to alleviate manpower crises across various industries. Furthermore, they are intended to provide enforcement agencies with a tool to identify and remove criminal elements from among the undocumented migrant population. This dual purpose highlights the proposed cards' role in both social management and economic support.
Rejection and Scams

Despite the proposed benefits, the Sabah state government had previously rejected the foreigner card proposal earlier this year, citing political and societal resistance. Adding to the complexity, the Sabah chapter of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has reported instances of scams involving fake "foreigner identity cards" or "humanitarian cards." These fraudulent cards were offered to undocumented migrants for prices ranging from RM400 to RM2,500, exploiting their desire for official documentation.

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What distinguishes foreigner cards from permanent residency or citizenship?

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