Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Labour has issued a warning to illegal workers in Malaysia following the government's decision to extend the voluntary repatriation period by another year. This extension is aimed at encouraging undocumented migrant workers to verify their status and participate in the program, which runs from May 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kacharak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, highlighted that the Malaysian authorities have extended the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 due to its high success in the previous year. The program had over 254,186 registered participants from 112 countries and significantly reduced the number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong explained that the project offers illegal immigrants the chance to voluntarily undergo deportation under specific conditions. Participants will not face prosecution but are required to pay fines based on their offenses. A fine of 500 Ringgit will be levied for entering Malaysia without valid travel documents or overstaying, while a 300 Ringgit fine, along with a 20 Ringgit Special Pass fee, will be imposed for violating license conditions.

The Ministry of Labour is urging Thai workers in Malaysia who are employed illegally to comply with the program's conditions promptly. This will enable them to return home without the risk of arrest and prosecution, and potentially allow them to seek other employment opportunities in the future.