PUTRAJAYA: A total of 23 foreign nationals were detained during enforcement checks at Ramadan bazaars in the Klang Valley, says Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
He said 61 foreigners were inspected in operations intensified in conjunction with the fasting month.
“Ramadan bazaars are among our enforcement focus areas as some foreigners take the opportunity to conduct business, including those employed illegally by local organisers or operators,” he told reporters after attending the Immigration Department’s Semarak Ramadan programme at its headquarters here.
However, he said enforcement efforts face constraints in cases involving valid UNHCR card holders, as legal action cannot be taken against them under existing provisions.
“That is our constraint. Especially with UNHCR card holders, after being detained and released, they may resume trading and the situation can recur,” he added.
Zakaria stressed that enforcement operations at Ramadan bazaars are ongoing and will continue throughout the fasting month.
“Operations will continue and more checks will be carried out in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with immigration laws,” he said.
In a separate development, Zakaria said the ongoing Migrant Repatriation Programme has recorded 177,000 registrations as of Feb 23.
He said more than 100,000 individuals have been repatriated so far, generating RM88mil in revenue for the government.
The programme is scheduled to run until April 30, although discussions are ongoing at the ministry level on whether it will be extended.
Zakaria said the appointment system has been discontinued and applications are now accepted on a walk-in basis, with higher turnout expected ahead of Ramadan and Hari Raya.
“The programme is implemented nationwide and is not limited to the Klang Valley. There may be a lack of awareness, resulting in lower numbers in some states,” he said.
