Bangkok: The Ministry of Labour has issued a warning to Thai nationals working illegally in Malaysia, urging them to report themselves and return to Thailand as soon as possible. This call to action comes in response to the Malaysian government's announcement of a voluntary deportation program for undocumented immigrants, set to take place from May 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.

According to Thai News Agency, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Kacharak, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, highlighted that the Labour Office in Malaysia has confirmed the extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 for an additional year. This decision follows the program's notable success in the previous year, during which over 254,186 participants from 112 countries registered, significantly reducing the number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia.

The program is designed to offer illegal immigrants the opportunity to voluntarily leave Malaysia under specific conditions, avoiding prosecution while incurring fines based on their offenses. A fine of 500 Ringgit will be levied for those entering without valid documents or overstaying, while a 300 Ringgit fine is imposed for violating license terms, with an additional cost of 20 Ringgit for a Special Pass.

"The Ministry of Labour therefore urges Thai workers who are working illegally to promptly comply with the stipulated conditions in order to have the opportunity to return home and avoid arrest and prosecution. This will also open up opportunities for them to find other employment," emphasized Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong.