Nice to meet you: Saifuddin Nasution meeting with some orphans during a breaking of fast event at Masjid Kampung Permatang Tok Dik in Kulim. — Bernama
KULIM: Putrajaya is working to extend the Migrant Repatriation Programme, which is set to conclude on March 31.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Immigration Department is in the process of seeking approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
With this, he said the government is looking to implement a compound-based approach instead of going to the courts.
“This alternative offers a more humane option for affected immigrants, allowing them to return to their home countries in time for Aidilfitri.
“They pay the compound, and we facilitate their return,” he said during a breaking of fast event at Masjid Kampung Permatang Tok Dik here on Friday.
Saifuddin Nasution said the repatriation programme allows foreigners who have violated the Immigration Act to voluntarily surrender, pay a compound and be returned to their home country without facing prosecution.
“If they remain here and are caught in an immigration enforcement operation, they will be detained and placed in a depot.
“Offences such as entering without valid documents, misusing visit passes and overstaying fall under the Immigration Act,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said the government collected RM120mil through the Migrant Repatriation Programme last year.
On March 12, he said the government is considering extending the repatriation programme with Indonesia until next year.
The programme, which allows undocumented migrants to return to their home countries without facing legal action and will only be fined for certain offences, was implemented last year.
