Malaysian government has recorded about 280,000 Nepalis working in Malaysia, while 33,000 of them are illegal workers. But workers recorded in the Malaysian government’s list are half of the expected number.Ministry of Labour and Transport Management and outsourcing agencies estimate around 500,000 to 600,000 Nepalis are currently working in Malaysia – the first preferred destination for Nepali migrant workers since last two years.According to Labour Department of Malaysia, nearly 280,000 Nepalis have recorded themselves in the biometric system started in August to control illegal migrant workers.The system was introduced to record migrant workers, their status and to balance country-wise distribution. About 33,000 Nepalis have got permission to return home from Malaysian authority after registering in the system, said Nepali ambassador to Malaysia Dr Rishi Raj Adhikari. “They are returning home soon,” he said.Illegal migrant workers registered in biometric system and got permission to return their country will not have to face imprisonment and fine to the Malaysian government.