Repatriation of undocumented migrants: Malaysia extends programme till June 30

The Recalibration Programme for Repatriation of Undocumented Immigrants has been extended until June 30, says Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

In a statement on Thursday (Dec 23), he said the extension was approved by the Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday.

According to him, 192,281 undocumented immigrants have registered to be sent home voluntarily under the programme, which was conducted from December last year until Tuesday (Dec 21).

Three countries with the highest number of immigrants registered for the programme are Indonesia (99,047), Bangladesh (26,821) and India (23,844).

"Of this number, 162,827 have returned to their home country," he added.

Khairul Dzaimee advised those who are waiting to return to be at the relevant counter 24 hours before their departure and not to turn up too early to avoid causing congestion at airport and jetty terminals.

The programme allows undocumented immigrants to voluntarily return home if they meet certain conditions set by the authorities.

Those wishing to join the programme are required to possess valid travel documents approved by their respective embassies and flight or ferry tickets to their country of origin.

They are also required to pay a RM500 compound, either via debit card, credit card or Touch 'n' Go e-Wallet only, as well as show a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result slip which is valid for 72 hours before departure.