By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Nov 5: A total of 56,284 from the 75,344 illegal immigrants who have so far registered under the “Back for Good” (B4G) amnesty programme have been deported to their country of origin.
Immigration Department of Malaysia director-general Datuk Indera Khairul Dzaimee Daud said the programme started on August 1 and will end on December 31. Up to November 1, there were 75,344 illegal immigrants registered under this programme.
“Indonesia has the highest number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia with 28,676 registered under this programme, followed by Bangladesh and India,” he revealed.
He also said, so far this year, the Immigration Department had arrested 8,774 illegal immigrants, which included 3,172 Indonesians, 1,912 Burmese and 1,466 Bangladeshis.
Khairul disclosed this at a press conference after meeting with Immigration Indonesia director-general Ronny Frenky Sompie.
Meanwhile, Ronny said the Indonesian government welcomed the B4G programme by the Malaysian government to curb the number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia.
He added the Indonesian government had taken steps to monitor and help Indonesians who wish to work outside the country.
He said, since 2017, the Indonesian government had taken precautions when granting passports to Indonesians who wish to work outside the country, to make sure they are well trained before going out.
“Around 16,000 passports have been issued to Indonesians who wish to work outside the country. For those who did not meet criteria, their passports will be delayed until they meet certain criteria.” — DayakDaily
