Ayer keroh: A total of 15,349 foreigners were detained from 2023 to March 3, 2026, for offences involving the misuse of visit passes by working or carrying out business in Malaysia. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that 2,233 foreigners were detained in 2023; 5,123 in 2024; and 1,121 as of March 3 this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the highest number of foreigners detained for the offence were from Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and Pakistan. The rising trend of misuse has led to complaints, especially from chambers of commerce. This issue has been discussed and gained the Cabinet's attention, prompting the Immigration Department's Enforcement Division to intensify enforcement against such offences.
The details were shared by Saifuddin Nasution after officiating the Immigration Department's breaking of fast event with the Home Minister at the Multipurpose Hall of the Home Ministry Complex in Ayer Keroh. Also present were Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban and Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar.
In a related development, Saifuddin Nasution mentioned that 68 foreigners from countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Cambodia, Thailand, and Yemen were detained during enforcement inspectorate operations at Ramadan bazaars nationwide. These operations were conducted to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
The detainees were held under various sections of the Immigration Act for being in Malaysia without a valid pass, overstaying, violating the conditions of their passes, and other immigration violations. The Immigration Department plans to intensify inspection operations throughout Ramadan to maintain compliance with immigration laws.
Additionally, the Home Ministry anticipates an increase in the number of foreigners participating in the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, which is set to end on April 30. Between May 19, 2025, and March 3, 2026, the ministry recorded 187,858 foreign nationals from 106 countries registering under the programme, with revenue collection amounting to RM93,973,360.