THE Home Ministry, through its Immigration Department, is working on extending the Migrant Repatriation Programme, which is currently set to end on March 31.
The programme offers undocumented migrants a chance to return to their home countries by paying a compound fine, avoiding severe penalties such as prosecution or detention in immigration depots.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that under the programme, migrants who have violated immigration laws, such as entering the country without documents, overstaying, or misusing their passes, can voluntarily surrender, pay the fine, and return home without facing further legal action, a local English daily cited today.
"Last year, the government collected RM120 million through this programme. Participants are required to pay fines for immigration offences such as entering the country without documents, misusing their passes, or overstaying," Saifuddin said.
"If foreign nationals violating immigration laws are caught in enforcement operations, they will be subject to investigations and court proceedings. However, through this repatriation programme, they can surrender voluntarily, pay the fine, and leave without facing further legal action," he added during a press briefing in Permatang Tok Dik, Kulim today.
The minister also shared that discussions are currently underway with the Attorney-General's Chambers to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme's extension.
The aim is to secure approval for immigration offences to be settled via compound fines rather than court prosecution.
Saifuddin highlighted that this initiative provides a more humane solution, particularly for migrants looking to return to their home countries before the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
"We are in the process of obtaining an exemption from the Attorney-General's Chambers so that these cases do not result in prosecution," he said. "Once finalised, we will announce the decision on the programme's extension." - March 15, 2025
