What supporting measures must accompany the Sabah Temporary Pass to work?

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Sabah Temporary Pass Requires Additional Supporting Measures for Effectiveness

The Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS), intended to address the chronic issue of illegal immigration and statelessness in Sabah, requires complementary policies and measures to achieve its objectives. While the pass itself is seen as a necessary administrative step, its success hinges on broader strategies that ensure transparency and address the complexities of the immigrant population. Without these supporting elements, concerns remain about the pass's ability to definitively solve the problem and its potential political ramifications.
Transparency and Clarity in Registration Process

A significant concern surrounding the PSS is the lack of clarity regarding the administrative process for determining the status of stateless individuals. Experts emphasize that full transparency and accountability in the registration exercise are crucial to allay public suspicions, particularly in light of historical issues like the "Projek IC." The government plans to conduct a simulation and a town hall session to address public concerns, but the detailed mechanism for assessing eligibility remains a point of doubt for many. This opacity has led to questions about how the approximately 600,000 eligible individuals, holding documents like IMM13, Surat Burung-Burung, and Census Certificates, are being categorized.
Addressing Complexities of Immigrant Population

Sabah's unique and complex immigrant demographic presents a considerable challenge to the effective implementation of the PSS. Potential issues such as incomplete, conflicting, or dubious documentation could bog down the registration process. This complexity necessitates robust administrative mechanisms to verify identities and historical records accurately. Some analysts suggest that engaging with international bodies like the UNHCR and initiating discussions with the Philippines government, the country of origin for many immigrants, could offer more comprehensive solutions than solely relying on the PSS.
Broader Policy and Legal Framework

The PSS, while a step towards documentation, is not a standalone solution. Experts suggest that it needs to be integrated into a broader policy framework that addresses the root causes of statelessness and illegal immigration. There are ongoing questions about why existing immigration laws are not being more rigorously enforced and why immigrants' countries of origin are not primarily responsible for issuing travel documents. The concern is that without a comprehensive approach, the PSS might inadvertently facilitate population growth without resolving underlying issues, potentially leading to significant social and political implications if the undocumented population were to outnumber the native population.

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What supporting measures must accompany the Sabah Temporary Pass to work?

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