Migrant Repatriation Programme: Over RM9 million in compounds collected

PUTRAJAYA: The government has collected RM9.48 million in compounds through Immigration Department’s Migrant Repatriation Programme so far, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Speaking at a media conference here yesterday, he said the programme implemented early this month would go on until this Dec 31.

“When we give the Migrant Repatriation period until Dec 31 this year, they (illegal immigrants) will have to appear at the Immigration Department office to pay the compound.

“Then, they can return to their respective countries of origin without us ‘proceeding’ under the Immigration Act and the Passport Act, which may lead to prison terms,” he said.

According to Saifuddin, there are three categories that qualify illegal immigrants to register in the programme: those entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid passport or permit; those overstaying in Malaysia; and those violating the conditions of the passport.

He said a total of 19,515 illegal immigrants had registered with the programme, while 13,760 had been sent back to their countries of origin between March 1 and 21 this year.

“We will continue to monitor the matter because we consider this programme to be an important initiative in managing the issue of illegal immigrants in our country,” he said.

On March 1, Saifuddin reportedly called upon illegal immigrants to turn themselves in at any Immigration office and pay a compound of between RM300 and RM500, to enable them to return to their country of origin without being prosecuted in court.

The implementation of the programme followed the government’s decision on Jan 31 to grant exemption from prosecution and offer a compound to illegal immigrants who surrender to return to their country of origin for three offences.