PUTRAJAYA, Feb 1 – The government will implement the Migrant Repatriation Programme from March 1 for illegal workers to go home without being prosecuted, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Speaking at a special media conference on Wednesday, he said that based on the decision approved during Cabinet meeting, undocumented workers who wish to return to their home countries would be allowed to do so after settling compounds for the immigration offences that they committed.
He said compounds ranging from RM300 to RM500 would be imposed for each immigration offence committed, including entering the country without valid travel documents, violating conditions, and overstaying.
Previously, the government implemented the Labour Recalibration Programme, which ended on Dec 31 last year, allowing employers to apply for undocumented foreign workers to meet their labour needs.
On the foreign worker’s quota freeze, Saifuddin said there is no need to lift the freeze because the foreign labour required for the relevant critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, farming, and services (restaurants) is sufficient, including from the recalibration programme.
“The Cabinet at today’s meeting also agreed to establish a one-stop centre to expedite the application process of migrant workers, which the Home Ministry will lead,” he added.
