Over 30,000 foreigners detained in Malaysia following crackdown on immigration offences

The Malaysian Immigration Department said it is ramping up enforcement against pass misuse, illegal employment, and unauthorised business operations carried out by employers.

A statement issued by Dato’ Zakaria Shaaban, Director-General of Immigration Malaysia, on 9 June 2026 said the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) is strengthening enforcement efforts against foreigners found abusing immigration passes and carrying out illegal employment or business activities in the country.

As of 31 May 2026, a total of 30,801 foreigners had been detained for various immigration offences nationwide.

Of this number, 2,324 individuals were found to have misused the passes granted to them by engaging in activities that did not match the original purpose of their entry into Malaysia.

The Department said these offences included foreigners carrying out work or business activities without legal permission, in breach of existing immigration regulations.

To strengthen enforcement efforts, JIM has introduced several strategic measures aimed at improving monitoring and compliance.

Among the measures implemented are the establishment of an Enforcement Inspectorate, targeted enforcement operations at key locations, and stricter action against employers found violating immigration laws.

The Department added that it is also working more closely with other enforcement agencies through integrated operations to improve coordination and enforcement effectiveness.

In addition, JIM said annual key performance indicators have been introduced to place greater emphasis on action against both foreigners and employers involved in immigration offences, as part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance with national laws.

In line with the government’s continued focus on tackling pass misuse and unauthorised business activities, the Department said it will further intensify enforcement operations while strengthening cooperation with ministries, enforcement agencies, and local authorities to ensure offences can be addressed more effectively and comprehensively.

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