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.
