Play store
Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: Malaysia’s Immigration Department conducted an operation near a Bangladesh-authorised passport and e-passport service centre in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, temporarily detaining and questioning several Bangladeshi nationals who had gone there to obtain consular services.
The operation took place around the Expat Services Kuala Lumpur Centre (E-SKL), an outsourcing service provider authorised by the Bangladesh High Commission to provide passport and e-passport services.
Several Bangladeshis seeking services were stopped and questioned by immigration officers before being released after producing the necessary documents.
The incident occurred on September 14 near the authorised service centre on Jalan Chansau Ling in Kuala Lumpur. The questioning of Bangladeshis who had gone there for passport and other essential consular services has caused concern among the expatriate community.
The incident has also raised questions because some of those subjected to checks had reportedly visited the centre to complete procedures related to their legal documentation.
Officials of the service centre, however, said there was no disruption inside the centre and that services continued normally throughout the day.
They said applicants continued to receive passport and e-passport services according to their scheduled appointment numbers.
According to people present at the scene, immigration officers carried out a surprise inspection in the area surrounding the E-SKL building and on the ground floor as part of Malaysia’s ongoing nationwide immigration enforcement operations.
Several Bangladeshis who had arrived to obtain urgent services, including passport renewal, e-passport applications and travel permits, were questioned during the operation. Some of those questioned were reportedly holding valid visas.
The exact number of Bangladeshis detained or questioned could not immediately be confirmed.
The Bangladesh High Commission said immigration officers asked service seekers to produce documents related to their passport enrolment appointments and passport delivery slips. They were released after the documents were checked.
Following the incident, the Bangladesh High Commission immediately informed Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry about the matter. The mission said communication with the Malaysian government was continuing.
Bangladeshis living in Malaysia said passports and visas cannot always be renewed on time due to negligence by employers, administrative complications and other circumstances.
As a result, many expatriates visit Bangladesh High Commission-authorised service centres to complete necessary procedures and maintain their legal status.
They questioned where expatriates could safely obtain essential government and consular services if immigration operations were also conducted in and around authorised service centres.
Members of the Bangladeshi community urged the authorities to ensure a safe and harassment-free environment for people visiting authorised centres to obtain passport and consular services.
They also called on the Bangladesh High Commission to hold effective discussions with the Malaysian government at the highest level to resolve the issue.
The High Commission has urged Bangladeshi nationals to carry all necessary valid documents when travelling for official or administrative purposes.