Malaysia immigration raids arrest 37,313 undocumented immigrants

The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) conducted 10,374 enforcement operations across the country between January 1 and September 29 this year, resulting in the arrest of 37,313 undocumented immigrants. During these operations, a total of 137,603 individuals were inspected.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reported that enforcement efforts have also targeted employers suspected of hiring or protecting undocumented individuals. A total of 1,809 employers were arrested, with 1,692 being Malaysian citizens accused of complicity.

The Minister noted a significant increase in employer arrests, rising from 346 in 2023 to 1,859 in 2024, and 2,202 in 2025. He emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs and JIM will maintain a proactive, daily enforcement approach to dismantle syndicates and ensure national security, rather than merely reacting to public attention.