THE Malaysian government has revived its efforts to manage undocumented migrants through the launch of the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 (PRM 2.0), a voluntary departure initiative running from 19 May 2024 to 30 April 2026.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the scheme, implemented by the Immigration Department, will be in force across Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
"The PRM 2.0 is a voluntary amnesty initiative for undocumented migrants to return to their home countries without facing prosecution," he announced during a press conference at the Immigration Department’s 2024 Excellent Service Award ceremony.
"Instead, they will be subject to compound fines based on the following offences: RM500 for entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid pass, RM500 for overstaying, and RM300 for breaching pass conditions."
Applicants must also pay a RM20 fee for a Special Pass. Children under the age of 18 who have overstayed or entered Malaysia without a valid pass will be exempt from compound fines but are still required to pay the Special Pass fee.
However, the Home Minister clarified that the programme does not apply to individuals who previously registered under similar repatriation initiatives but failed to exit the country, those blacklisted by the Immigration Department, or individuals currently subject to arrest warrants or wanted by authorities.
"For individuals with special legal status, such as spouses of Malaysian citizens who have overstayed, they must report to the Immigration Department’s Visa, Pass, and Permit Division for pass coordination," he added.
Saifuddin urged foreign embassies, employers, and migrant communities to actively promote the programme to ensure early participation and avoid congestion towards the end of the scheme’s timeline.
Simultaneously, enforcement operations will be intensified, marking what the Minister described as the "year of enforcement."
"These operations will be conducted jointly with other enforcement agencies such as the police, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), the National Registration Department and local authorities," he said.
He also issued a stern warning to employers, reminding them of the severe consequences of employing or harbouring undocumented migrants.
"Employers may be fined up to RM50,000 for each undocumented worker, jailed for up to five years, and face six strokes of the cane if convicted," Saifuddin cautioned. - May 16, 2025
