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Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: Malaysia has stepped up enforcement against foreign nationals who remain in the country after their passes or permits expire, raising concerns for Bangladeshi workers and other migrants whose immigration documents are not renewed on time.
Between January and August 15 this year, the Terengganu Immigration Department conducted 334 enforcement operations and detained 1,257 undocumented migrants. Of them, 317 were arrested for overstaying, making it one of the major immigration offences detected during the operations.
The Immigration Department said overstaying is an offence under Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, in relation to a violation of Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act.
The enforcement drive is particularly significant for the large number of Bangladeshi workers employed across Malaysia. In many cases, the renewal of work passes, medical examinations and other immigration procedures is handled by employers, agents or intermediaries.
However, workers may still face legal consequences if their permits expire before their immigration status is formally renewed.
Immigration authorities have therefore urged foreign nationals not to rely solely on employers or agents and to monitor the validity of their own passes and permits.
Foreign workers are advised to begin renewal or extension procedures well before the expiry date. Simply submitting an application, or being told by an employer or agent that the matter is being processed, may not be sufficient protection if the necessary approval has not been granted before the existing pass expires.
Bangladeshi workers have been advised to regularly check the expiry dates of their immigration passes, confirm the status of renewal applications and ensure that their documents remain valid throughout their stay in Malaysia.
In one recent enforcement operation in Terengganu, six foreign nationals were detained for allegedly overstaying and action was taken under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act. Another seven people were detained for failing to possess valid travel documents.
Immigration enforcement can involve more than detention. The department’s enforcement functions include investigation, prosecution, the collection of compounds and the deportation or repatriation of those found to have violated immigration laws.
An overstaying offence could therefore result in detention, legal proceedings, loss of employment and possible deportation.
Employers also have a responsibility to ensure that the immigration status of their foreign workers remains valid. They are expected to monitor the expiry dates of workers’ passes, begin renewal procedures in time and ensure that all necessary documents and approvals are kept up to date.
The Terengganu Immigration Department said it would continue strengthening inspections and enforcement to ensure that all foreign nationals in the state comply with Malaysia’s immigration laws and regulations.
For Bangladeshi workers, the warning is clear: immigration matters should not be left entirely in the hands of employers or agents. Workers should personally keep track of their documents and take action well before their passes or permits expire.