Malaysia extends illegal migrant repatriation programme until 2027
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysia’s Immigration Directorate has extended the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0 — a voluntary repatriation programme for illegal migrant workers — for one year until 31 May 2027.
“The Malaysian Immigration Department wishes to inform that the government has decided to extend the implementation of the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, which ends today, 30 April 2026, from 1 May 2026 until 31 May 2027,” said the Head of the Malaysian Immigration Directorate, Zakaria Bin Shaaban, in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (30/4).
The decision was taken based on an evaluation of the programme’s effectiveness.
From 19 May 2025 to 29 April 2026, the programme has recorded 254,186 registrations from illegal migrants from 112 countries, with total fine collections reaching 127 million ringgit (approximately Rp554 billion).
The programme allows undocumented foreigners (PATI) to return home voluntarily without legal prosecution, on the condition of paying fines according to the type of violation.
Fines imposed include 500 ringgit for violations of entry or stay without valid documents, and 300 ringgit for residence permit violations. In addition, applicants are charged a special pass fee of 20 ringgit (approximately Rp87,000).
On the other hand, authorities will tighten law enforcement through integrated operations, intelligence, and monitoring to take action against violators, including employers involved.
Undocumented foreigners are urged to take advantage of the programme immediately before legal action is taken.
“The Malaysian Immigration Department remains committed to ensuring that the country’s migration management is carried out firmly, orderly, and with integrity,” said Zakaria.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (KBRI) encourages Indonesian citizens and migrant workers (PMI) who are undocumented to participate in the programme.
KBRI Kuala Lumpur also states that it is ready to facilitate immigration document processing for PMI who wish to return to Indonesia.
In addition, KBRI urges PMI to always comply with legal provisions in Malaysia to avoid future problems.