CYBERJAYA: The Immigration Department must evolve beyond its traditional role of guarding the nation's borders to become a strategic driver of Malaysia's economic growth, national security and digital transformation, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister outlined four key mandates for the department, beginning with its role as a facilitator of economic growth by creating a more efficient immigration system that attracts foreign investment, global talent and tourists.
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"In today's world, investors no longer choose countries solely based on incentives. They choose countries that are efficient.
"Global talent prefers countries that are easily accessible, while tourists seek destinations that offer fast and secure travel experiences," he said in his speech at the 104th Immigration Day celebration on Tuesday (July 21).
Ahmad Zahid said unnecessary delays, cumbersome procedures and excessive bureaucracy ultimately undermine Malaysia's competitiveness.
He cited the United Arab Emirates as an example of how immigration policies can support economic growth, noting that the country's Golden Visa programme, which offers residency of up to 10 years, has helped attract global talent and investment.
"The UAE recorded RM196.6bil in foreign direct investment in 2025, making it the world's ninth-largest destination for foreign investment for the fourth consecutive year.
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"As such, the Immigration Department's role is no longer limited to controlling the country's entry points. It has become a strategic institution that must continue to be strengthened," he said.
On the second mandate, he stressed the need to reinforce national security and sovereignty amid increasingly sophisticated cross-border threats.
He said migrant smuggling syndicates, human trafficking networks, financial crimes, labour exploitation, document fraud and terrorism were increasingly leveraging technology and international networks.
"Enforcement can no longer be reactive. It must be intelligence-led, data-driven, technology-enabled and supported by close cooperation among all enforcement agencies," he said.
The third mandate focuses on accelerating digital transformation and innovation in immigration services, Ahmad Zahid said.
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"The future of immigration management must be powered by big data, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, digital identity systems, biometrics and smart border technologies to enable faster, more accurate and more secure decision-making," he added.
He pointed to Singapore's passport-free immigration clearance system using facial and iris biometrics as an example of successful digital transformation.
He said nearly 127 million travellers passed through Singapore's immigration checkpoints without presenting passports last year, a 270.2% increase from 2024, while average clearance time was reduced from 25 seconds to just 10 seconds.
"I want the Immigration Department to become an organisation that uses technology not only to work faster, but also to think smarter, act more accurately and deliver world-class services," he said.
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The fourth mandate centres on strengthening integrity, professionalism and humanitarian values within the department.
Ahmad Zahid said that while technology could improve efficiency, only integrity could build public trust, while professionalism meant not only complying with procedures but also exercising sound judgment and having the courage to do what is right.
"I want the Immigration Department to be recognised not only for its firm enforcement of the law, but also for its professionalism, integrity and humanitarian values.
"These are the foundations of an institution respected by the people and trusted by the world," he said.
The successful implementation of all four mandates would transform the department into a strategic institution that safeguards national sovereignty, enhances Malaysia's economic competitiveness and strengthens public confidence, he added.
