Immigration arrests 37,313 undocumented migrants in nine months
PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department carried out 10,374 enforcement operations nationwide and arrested 37,313 undocumented migrants between Jan 1 and Sept 29 this year.
Between January 1 and September 29, the Immigration Department conducted 10,374 enforcement operations across the country and arrested 37,313 undocumented migrants. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that 137,603 individuals were screened during these operations as part of the ministry's efforts to combat immigration offenses.
Of these arrests, 1,809 employers were targeted, with 1,692 being Malaysian citizens. Saifuddin emphasized that the ministry's approach included targeting both undocumented migrants and those who employed or harbored them, noting that employer arrests had significantly increased from 346 in 2023 to 1,809 in 2024 and 2,202 in the previous year.
The Home Ministry and Immigration Department plan to continue daily enforcement operations, viewing the issue as longstanding and exacerbated by systemic weaknesses and the exploitation by criminal syndicates and irresponsible employers. Saifuddin advocated for a proactive enforcement strategy rather than reactive measures, warning foreigners to utilize legal entry channels and comply with immigration laws, threatening action against those involved in illegal entry, document forgery, or overstaying.
Employers were cautioned against hiring or harboring undocumented migrants, while Malaysians were urged to cooperate with authorities in addressing immigration offenses. The Immigration Department clarified that their enforcement activities occur year-round and encompass employers and property owners as well, if they violate immigration laws.
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