A total of 246,732 undocumented migrants have voluntarily left Malaysia through the Migrant Repatriation Programme, according to Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. The initiative, which ended on December 31, allowed migrants from 115 countries to return home, with the majority coming from Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India.
The programme provided undocumented migrants who had committed immigration offences an opportunity to return home by paying a reduced compound fee. The process required participants to possess a valid passport or travel document and a return ticket. The compound rates were RM500 for offences related to illegal entry and overstaying without a valid permit, while those violating pass conditions were fined RM300.
Zakaria emphasized that the initiative aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding undocumented migrants by promoting voluntary return rather than enforcing arrests and deportations. He also revealed that as of December 31, 2024, the number of active foreign workers in Malaysia stood at 2.3 million.
In addition to the repatriation programme, Malaysia’s Immigration Department has been actively enforcing immigration laws. Zakaria noted that last year, seven operations were conducted at golf clubs, leading to the inspection of 113 foreign nationals. Of those, 50 individuals and one employer were arrested for violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Authorities have assured that enforcement operations will continue at known hotspots for undocumented migrants, including golf clubs. These actions, Zakaria said, are based on public complaints and ongoing assessments of the country’s immigration landscape. He reiterated that strict measures will be taken against any foreign national found violating Malaysia’s immigration laws.
The voluntary repatriation programme reflects Malaysia’s efforts to manage its undocumented migrant population while ensuring that enforcement measures are in place to uphold immigration regulations.