Latest news with #MigrantRepatriationProgramme
The Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Immigration: RM1.61mil collected in repatriation fees
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM1.61mil has been collected in fees for compounds and special passes as part of the latest Migrant Repatriation Programme. Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban ( pic ) said that a total of 3,288 undocumented migrants registered for the programme between its commencement on May 19 and 22. 'The highest number of undocumented migrants were from Indonesia with 1,561, followed by Bangladeshis with 741. 'The remaining foreigners (who registered with the programme) are from various countries,' he said in an interview. Zakaria said they received an average of 800 undocumented migrants registering under the programme daily. 'The response, especially in the Klang Valley, has been encouraging. 'So far, some 776 of those who registered have gone back to their home countries,' he said. Zakaria urged all parties, especially foreigners, employers and the respective embassies, to work together in ensuring the success of the programme. 'The programme not only gives the opportunity for foreigners to return home legitimately, but it also mirrors the government's balanced approach between the firmness of enforcement and showing compassion. 'It will also be an important indicator of our capabilities to manage migrants systematically and effectively,' he said. Zakaria also advised those who are eligible for the programme to join as soon as possible. 'The process is simple, transparent and based on clear procedures. 'Don't wait until enforcement is taken,' he added. Zakaria said undocumented migrants should take the opportunity to return home safely without the risk of being detained or prosecuted. 'We are ready to assist in terms of advice and other matters throughout the implementation of the programme,' he said. The programme will run until April 30 of next year. Charges for the compound ranged between RM300 and RM500, depending on the offences committed by the migrants. They are also required to pay for a RM20 special pass. According to earlier reports, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the programme would end on April 30 next year for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. He said those who had entered the country without a valid pass or had overstayed would have to pay a RM500 compound. Those who have violated the conditions of their entry passes will incur a fine of RM300. 'A payment of RM20 for a special pass will also be imposed. 'The compound will be exempted for foreign children under the age of 18 who entered without a pass. 'However, their guardian will have to pay for their special pass,' he said. The programme will not be available for those who had previously applied but failed to return home in the stipulated time. Those with arrest warrants, who are wanted by the authorities or who have been blacklisted by the Immigration Department are also ineligible. Employers who continue to employ and accommodate illegal immigrants will face severe measures. They face a fine of up to RM50,000 for each illegal immigrant, a jail term of up to five years and whipping if convicted.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (May 17, 2025)
Malaysia: * Moon sighting for Aidiladha on May 27 * Bilateral ties strengthened following Russia visit, says Anwar * FRU crash: Lorry driver unable to post bail, say police * FRU crash: Six personnel still in hospital, one discharged yesterday * Eight govt hospitals in top 50 list of Malaysia's best hospitals * Covid-19: Health Ministry monitoring situation closely * Perak to set new age limit for youth organisations at 30 * Penang to increase monthly allowance for KAFA teachers from July * Hire foreign workers based on needs not profit, says Sim * Malaysia: The Migrant Repatriation Programme will be extended for another year * Cops nab 33-year-old suspect, seize RM1.6mil worth of drugs in Batu Pahat * Asean Summit: 71 schools in S'gor, KL allowed to carry out online learning from May 26 to 28, says ministry * Saifuddin denies practice of money politics in PKR polls * Sabah's future lies in local hands, not political pressure * All PKR election complaints fully investigated, some resolved, says Dr Zaliha * MCMC removed over 32,000 items of scam content in first quarter of 2025, says Deputy Minister A peacock displays its feathers at a park in Singapore. -- Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP Singapore: * Over 17.900 people caught for vape possession and use in Singapore * Two teens in Singapore died of overdoses in January 2025: minister * Singaporean man, woman found dead in Cheras homestay * Students, travellers from South-east Asia, including Malaysia, souring on the US amid immigration crackdown * Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers in Singapore? Lawyers weigh in * China warns that Cold War problems could be 'reheated' in Asia-Pacific region Indonesia: * Indonesia foils attempt to smuggle its protected and precious seahorse species in Riau Islands * Indonesia and Australia strengthen defence collaboration and expand market access for both countries * Indonesia arrests 170 foreigners in immigration sweep * Indonesia inaugurates US$600mil oil and gas projects * Trump tariffs seen lowering Chinese firms' US investment plans; South East-Asia countries may be hit * World climate: Himalayan glaciers melt focus of climate meet Williams driver Alexander Albon of Thailand steers his car during the first free practice at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, ahead the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix, in Imola, Italy. -- AP Photo/Luca Bruno Thailand: * Aaron-Wooi Yik storm into Thailand Open final / Pearly-Thinaah set up Thai Open title showdown against S. Korea's Na-eun, Yeon-woo * Top Thai court to rule on former PM Yingluck's rice case on Thursday (May 22) * Thailand to introduce 'Salt Tax' with tiered rates, driving health food market boom * Thai govt enforces strict ban on rocket launches near airports during Bun Bang Fai Festival * 17 charged in fatal tower collapse in Thailand * Thailand's first tokenised bonds target retail investors Philippines: * Meghan Markle's dad, half-brother move to Philippines, live in Cebu apartment * More setback for Marcos Jr as Duterte's loyal aides top senate race in Philippines * 'Filipino voters can forget abuses': Polls prove political dynasties still rule Philippines * Philippines Senate race a blow to President Marcos as he feuds with Vice President Duterte * The Philippine story: Strong backing for Duterte Senator-elect Christopher Go (right) poses for a photo during the proclamation of the elected senators in Manila on Saturday, May 17, 2025. -- Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP Vietnam: * Photo group says it has 'suspended attribution' of historic Vietnam picture because of doubts * Man arrested for alleged online sexual coercion of minors in Vietnam * Two Vietnamese women among three held in Melaka drug bust * Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff * Vietnamese police bust counterfeit supplement ring, seize over 100 tonnes of fake goods Myanmar: * UN agency, Rohingya refugees allege Indian authorities cast dozens of them into the sea near Myanmar * Ancient ploughing ceremony adds festivity to South-East Asian rice farming * Myanmar police seize over 9.7 million stimulant tablets worth millions during special op * Middle-aged couple battered during house break-in Myanmar's Lamai Township * In over four years, 77 education workers in Myanmar killed, educational buildings bombed 560 times, and burned 123 times A cargo ship sails on Saigon river in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. -- AP Photo/Hau Dinh Cambodia: * International Labour Organisation topush 'ship to shore rights' in Asean to protect fishermen * Pochentong Airport to be preserved as 'historically significant site', says Cambodian president Hun Manet * Lightning strike at Angkor Wat leaves three dead, dozens injured * Cambodian environment minister warns: 'one tree falls, one official fired'' at Phnom Khnang Phsar Laos: * Police seize 10 million amphetamine pills in northern Laos * South Korea, Laos join forces to promote green growth, investment cooperation * Police seize 10 million amphetamine pills in northern Laos Brunei: * Bank in Brunei recognised for sustainability * Minister shares Brunei's strategic directions * Malaysian coach Raja Isa awaits historic crowning moment in Brunei (From left) South Korean singer and dancer Park Ji-Min, French actress Nadia Melliti, French actress Hafsia Herzi and French writer Fatima Daas pose during a photocall for the film -- La Petite derniere (The Little Sister) -- at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. -- Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP AseanPlus: * Asean nations taking steps to establish monetary fund, strengthen regional financial security, says Anwar * Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship: A defining moment for a more inclusive and sustainable region, says expert * Dzulkefly to lead Malaysian delegation to WHA78 in Geneva * Drone operations without permit prohibited during Asean Summit, says CAAM * Former star Giggs urges big moves to restore United's glory * No no-fly zones during Asean Summit, says CAAM * Disabled craftsmen make batik bags for Asean 2025 * Russian airline keen on operating direct flights to Malaysia * China's humanoid robots will not replace human workers, Beijing official says * India asks IMF to reconsider Pakistan programme over 'terror funding' * Massive fire devastates Kumho Tire's Gwangju plant in South Korea; national response order issued * Chadian national held at Mumbai airport with gold worth US$450,931 hidden in slippers * Asean media gain insight into Huaihua's economic development * 'Give me a chance': Chinese influencer exposed as ex-convict sparks mixed reactions online * China urges US to stop tech suppression * S. Korea resumes US tariff talks at Apec * China and EU suspend Brazil chicken imports over bird flu * North Korea's Kim oversees air drills - in preparation of war * UN plans to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, says relief chief * Eight police officers in Japan disciplined over playing online game while at work * Hong Kong authorities warn ride-hailing firms about legality as taxi drivers petition * China announces new military academies as part of PLA modernisation drive * China reasserts India border claims with fresh list of 'standard' place names * Iran supreme court upholds death sentence against pop singer Tataloo * Japan's weather agency looks to improve forecasting with AI * Motor racing-Norris turns tables on Piastri in final Imola practice * South Korea ex-President Yoon leaves conservative party as candidate trails liberal frontrunner * Three taken to hospital in suspected gas leak at Osaka Prefecture refinery; one victim suffers cardiopulmonary arrest, another in critical condition
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Repatriation programme gets extension
PUTRAJAYA: The Migrant Repatriation Programme will be extended for another year, says the Home Ministry. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the programme, which allows illegal migrants in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan to return home without facing legal action, will now conclude on April 30, 2026. He said a RM500 compound will be imposed on those who overstayed or entered the country illegally, and those who breached the conditions of their passes will be compounded RM300. He said a payment of RM20 is needed for the issuance of a special pass to leave the country. 'Foreign children under 18 years old will be exempted from compounds,' he told reporters at the Immigration Department's Excellent Service Award 2024 here yesterday. Saifuddin said those who had applied for the programme but failed to return to their home country within the stipulated time are not entitled to apply again. 'Those who are blacklisted or had been issued with warrants of arrest are also not eligible for the programme,' he said, urging those with foreign spouses who had overstayed to report to the Immigration Department's Visa, Passes and Permits Division to resolve the matter. Warm welcome: Saifuddin (second from left) inspecting the honour guard at the Immigration Department's Excellent Service Award 2024 ceremony in Putrajaya. With him is (left) Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. — Bernama He called on the public, including foreign workers and employers, to help disseminate this information to avoid a last-minute rush. Dubbing 2025 as the 'year of enforcement', Saifuddin said large-scale operations against illegal immigrants would be conducted at hotspots nationwide. He warned that employers who hire illegal immigrants will face strict action, including fines of up to RM50,000 for each undocumented worker. He said they are also liable to a jail term of up to five years and six strokes of the rotan if found guilty. As of May 13, a total of 34,287 undocumented immigrants and 669 employers have been arrested for immigration-related offences.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Migrant repatriation programme extended until end April 2026, says Home Minister
PUTRAJAYA: The Migrant Repatriation Programme will be extended until the end of April 2026, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister said, after an appreciation ceremony for the Immigration Department (JIM) here, that the programme will now conclude on April 30, 2026, for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. He explained that those who had entered the country without a valid pass or had overstayed will have to pay a RM500 compound. Those that had gone against the terms of their entry passes will be compounded RM300. 'A payment of RM20 for a special pass will also be imposed. Foreign children below the age of 18 that were brought in without a pass will be exempted from the compound. 'However, their guardian will have to pay for their special pass as well,' he said. The programme will also not be available for those who had previously applied under it but failed to return home in the stipulated time. Those who had been blacklisted by the Immigration Department, with an arrest warrant issued or wanted by the authorities will also not be eligible. 'For those with foreign spouses who had overstayed, they are to present themselves to Immigration's Visa, Passes and Permits department to realign their passes. 'The Ministry urges all, including the foreign communities and employers, to spread this information out to avoid last minute entry which would lead to congestions as the deadline approaches,' he said. The Immigration Department will also increase large scale operations, he added. 'All employers that continue to employ and house illegal immigrants are reminded that strict action will be taken which includes a fine of up to RM50,000 for each illegal immigrant. They will also be liable to be jailed for up to five years and caned six times if found guilty,' he said.
