PUTRAJAYA: The government will implement the Migrant Repatriation Programme starting March 1 to facilitate the return of foreign workers without valid travel documents in the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the decision, which was approved by the cabinet today, will also involve a voluntary return initiative.
He added that a compound fine will be issued for immigration offences prior to their return to their birth country, including entering Malaysia without proper documents, violating terms and overstaying.
"They will only be allowed to return home after they pay the fines and will be exempted from prosecution.
"The programme will also be based on a voluntary return initiative which the government will promote to facilitate the repatriation," he said during a special press conference, today.
Fahmi added that a compound of RM300 to RM500 will be imposed for each immigration offense.
Previously, the government had implemented the Workforce Recalibration Programme (WRP) 2.0, which concluded on Dec 31, providing employers with the opportunity to apply for undocumented foreign workers to meet labor needs.
Under WRP 2.0, some 518,000 undocumented migrants were issued new work permits and channeled into the manufacturing, construction, farming, agriculture and services sectors.
In January this year, Saifuddin announced that employers have been given three months to complete the legalisation process for foreign workers under the WRP 2.0.