Undocumented Filipinos told to expect immigration crackdown in Malaysia as amnesty ends: DFA

August 30, 2018

With Malaysia’s amnesty program ending Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is advising Filipinos there to expect authorities to launch a nationwide immigration crackdown as early as Friday.

The DFA issued the advisory after authorities in Kuala Lumpur announced Thursday there would be no extension to the Voluntary Deportation Program launched in 2016.

In his report to the DFA Home Office, Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose assured Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano the Embassy is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos who may be affected by the intensified immigration operations.

According to Jose, the Embassy has assisted 5,844 Filipinos since the amnesty program was announced in January 2016. The number represents less than 1 percent of the estimated 400,000 undocumented Filipinos in Malaysia.

“We are reminding our countrymen in Malaysia, particular those without legal immigration status, that the amnesty program ends today,” Jose said.

“In view of this, we request our countrymen to exercise due prudence and to ensure they carry their legal documents at all times,” Jose said. DMS