Immigration dept detains 20, seizes 341 passports in foreign worker quota abuse probe

On October 9, the Malaysian Immigration Department detained 20 individuals during a special operation in Taman Datuk Ahmad Razali, targeting suspected involvement in a syndicate abusing foreign worker quotas. The operation, conducted by the Intelligence and Special Operations Division, Intelligence and Profiling Department, and Strategic Compliance Branch, involved two Bangladeshi men, six local female employees, and 12 foreign customers - nine from Bangladesh and three from Indonesia.

They seized 341 passports, including 265 Bangladeshi, 63 Indonesian, 12 Pakistani, and one Indian passport, along with RM6,700 in cash. The syndicate allegedly used an "A-to-B" employer arrangement, where a company obtained approval for foreign worker quotas, used Temporary Employment Visit Passes, and supplied workers to another company for profit.

They were also suspected of providing inaccurate company profiles to obtain approval and declaring significantly lower profits than their actual financial records. The detainees were charged with offenses under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Passport Act 1966, as well as income tax evasion under the Income Tax Act 1967. The Immigration Department will continue to take action against illegal activities related to foreign worker quota abuse.