70,195 Undocumented Migrants Detained in Malaysia in 10 Months, 47,553 Deported

Malaysia's Immigration Department has intensified raids against undocumented migrants. Regular searches are being carried out at residential buildings, workers' housing, eateries, business establishments and construction sites, and migrants are failing to escape even by trying to hide during the raids.

In the first 10 months of this year, the Immigration Department conducted 11,808 raids across Malaysia and detained 70,195 undocumented migrants. During the same period, 47,553 people were sent back to their own countries. The figures were presented in the country's parliament on 12 November.

According to the figures, from January to October this year the Immigration Department carried out on average more than 38 raids a day. An average of 228 foreign nationals were detained daily in these operations.

Continuing the drive, the state immigration department raided Kampung Baru Subang, Ampang and Hulu Langat areas of Selangor state simultaneously last Friday. In the raids, which began at 11 am, 34 foreign nationals from various countries, including Bangladeshis, were detained.

Under three separate operations named 'Ops Sapu', 'Ops Selera' and 'Ops Kutip', searches were carried out at residential areas, eateries and commercial establishments. Eighteen immigration officers took part. During the raids, the identities and documents of 38 people were checked and 34 were detained on charges of violating various laws.

The Malaysian government has kept a repatriation programme open so undocumented migrants can return home voluntarily. The Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM 2.0) has been extended until 31 May 2027. Under it, foreign nationals who have no valid pass or permit, or who have overstayed, can return home by meeting the set conditions.

Under the programme they must pay a fine of 300 to 500 ringgit depending on the type of offence, plus a 20-ringgit fee for a special pass. They must also submit the necessary travel documents and a ticket home.

According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, from 19 May 2025 to 29 April 2026, a total of 254,186 undocumented migrants from 112 countries registered under the programme. During that time the government earned 127 million ringgit from fines and other fees.

Despite the voluntary return option, the Immigration Department has announced that raids against undocumented migrants will continue. It said intelligence surveillance, coordinated operations and regular searches will go on across the country.

Authorities have warned that anyone without valid documents, or who violates permit conditions, risks arrest. At the same time, action is being taken against employers and others accused of illegally hiring foreign workers or sheltering them.