Immigration Department Cracks Down on Visa Overstayers
Increased Detentions in 2024
The Malaysian immigration department has taken a tough stance on visa overstayers, detaining a total of 41,234 foreigners who failed to leave the country after their visa expired between January 1 and November 14 this year. This marks a significant increase from the 27,739 detentions recorded in the whole of last year.
Measures Implemented to Ensure Genuine Visitors
According to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the immigration department has implemented several measures at entry points to ensure only genuine visitors are allowed to enter the country. These measures include:
- Visitors must not be on any watchlist or blacklist
- Visitors are required to have a return ticket to their country of origin
- Visitors are required to fill in the Malaysia digital arrival card to help monitor their presence during their stay
Reasons for Visa Overstay
The minister also revealed that some visitors overstay their visa by converting their social visit pass to other permits, such as employment or student passes. Others are granted special passes allowing them to remain in the country for up to 30 days to settle personal matters.
Enforcement Operations
The immigration department conducts regular enforcement operations to identify and detain overstayers. Between June 1 and October 30, the department carried out 17,745 operations across the country, focusing on 224 identified hotspots where foreign nationals are known to gather. Enforcement efforts also include taking action against employers who hire undocumented foreign workers.
Conclusion
The Malaysian government is taking a strong stance against visa overstayers, with a significant increase in detentions this year. The measures implemented at entry points are designed to ensure only genuine visitors are allowed to enter the country. The immigration department’s regular enforcement operations and focus on hotspots will continue to help identify and detain overstayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many foreigners were detained for visa overstaying between January 1 and November 14 this year?
A: 41,234
Q: What is the reason for the increase in detentions compared to last year?
A: The immigration department has implemented stricter measures at entry points and conducted more regular enforcement operations.
Q: What measures are in place to ensure only genuine visitors enter the country?
A: Visitors must not be on any watchlist or blacklist, have a return ticket to their country of origin, and fill in the Malaysia digital arrival card.
Q: What is the penalty for visa overstaying?
A: The penalty for visa overstaying varies depending on the circumstances, but can include detention, fines, and/or deportation.