KUALA LUMPUR – The slew of undocumented migrants at klia2 airport is due to their last-minute decisions to return home, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
Earlier, the government offered for the migrants to return home voluntarily under a recalibration plan.
“They knew that the deadline (to return) home is today. But today all had rushed to the airport, this is wrong too,” said Hamzah, adding that migrants who overstay after midnight will be considered to have committed an offence.
When asked about migrants who were duped by agents promising flights to their respective countries, Hamzah said in a press conference that he would not compromise against those who had taken advantage of the situation.
This follows media reports on thousands of migrants stranded at klia2, waiting for flights home.
It is believed that the situation persisted as many did not check in for departure on time.
A similar situation is reported at Johor where some had to wait for three days to clear immigration and exit the country.
The recalibration plan began last November 16 and ends today.
In a separate matter, Hamzah said his ministry will conduct a massive operation to hunt down errant employers who are still hiring undocumented migrants.
“This will allow us to appropriately punish them under the Immigration Act, should they commit any offence.” – The Vibes, June 30, 2022
