Undocumented Filipinos In Malaysia Told To Expect Immigration Crackdown As Amnesty Program Ends

30 August 2018 – With Malaysia’s amnesty program ending today, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is advising Filipinos there to expect authorities to launch a nationwide immigration crackdown as early as tomorrow.

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

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

According to Ambassador 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 kababayan in Malaysia, particular those without legal immigration status, that the amnesty program ends today,” Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said.

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

The envoy said that since the program was implemented two and a half years ago, the Embassy has been assisting Filipino applicants by issuing travel documents free of charge, paying exit fees and airfare assistance (as needed) as well as issuing endorsements and even providing transportation to the Immigration Office in Putrajaya.

Ambassador Jose said the Embassy has also issued several public advisories to explain the requirements and procedure for the program.

On the last month of the amnesty program, Ambassador Jose said the Embassy also facilitated the applications of undocumented Filipinos, such as allowing document applications by mail, adjusting the security vetting procedures.

The Embassy has also been issuing reminders on social media platforms and through the Filipino Community of the anticipated nationwide immigration crackdown beginning tomorrow. END