Around 400,000 illegal Pinoys in Malaysia to be affected by immigration crackdown

An estimated 400,000 undocumented Filipino workers will be affected by Malaysia’s nationwide crackdown on illegal migrants beginning Friday after its amnesty program ended on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The Malaysian government said there would be no extension to its Voluntary Deportation Program that was launched in 2016.

Since the program started in January 2016, only 5,844 Filipinos availed of amnesty – a figure representing less than 1 percent of the estimated 400,000 undocumented Filipinos in Malaysia.

“We are reminding our countrymen in Malaysia, particular those without legal immigration status, that the amnesty program ends today,” Philippine Ambassador Charles Jose said in a statement sent to the Home Office in Manila.

“In view of this, we request our kababayans to exercise due prudence and to ensure they carry their legal documents at all times.”

Jose said the embassy is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos who may be affected by the intensified immigration operations.

Every year, hundreds of Filipinos enter Malaysian-controlled Sabah – a resource-rich territory also being claimed by the Philippines - through Mindanao in search of a better life.

Most of the undocumented Filipinos in Sabah hail from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and other far-flung provinces in the south that are among the Philippines’ poorest and constantly plagued by war.

Since the program was implemented two and a half years ago, the DFA said the embassy has been assisting Filipino applicants by issuing travel documents free of charge, paying exit fees and airfare assistance, as needed, as well as issuing endorsements and even providing transportation to the Immigration Office in Putrajaya.

The embassy has also issued several public advisories to explain the requirements and procedure for the program.

On the last month of the amnesty program, Jose said the embassy facilitated the applications of undocumented Filipinos, such as allowing document applications by mail, adjusting the security vetting procedures.

The embassy, he added, issued reminders on social media platforms and through the Filipino community of the anticipated nationwide immigration crackdown on undocumented foreigners.

Manila has repeatedly urged illegally-staying Filipinos in Malaysia to voluntarily return to the Philippines, warning that those who will be caught will be kept in detention while undergoing deportation proceedings. — BAP, GMA News