PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed to extend the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 (PRM 2.0) starting from May 19 until April 30 next year specifically for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the decision to extend the voluntary amnesty programme for illegal immigrants, which ended on March 31, had received the approval of regulatory agencies, including the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“PRM 2.0 is not open to illegal immigrants who have registered but failed to travel out through the previous program.
“It is also not open to those who are blacklisted by the Immigration Department and have arrest warrants or are wanted by the authorities,” he said at a press conference after presenting the Immigration Department’s Excellent Service Award here today.
PRM 2.0 is a voluntary amnesty program for illegal immigrants, with them exempted from prosecution and offered compounds for certain offenses.
Saifuddin Nasution said that through this program, a compound of RM500 is imposed for the offence of entering and staying in Malaysia without a valid pass and the offence of overstaying after the expiry date of the pass, while a compound of RM300 is imposed for the offence of violating the pass conditions.
“In addition, applicants are also charged a Special Pass fee of RM20 for each withdrawal.
“Foreign children under 18 years of age who overstay or are brought into Malaysia without a valid pass are exempt from the compound, but must pay the same Special Pass,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said individuals with special legal status, such as spouses of citizens who are staying overtime, must present themselves at the Visa, Pass and Permit Division for the purpose of coordinating their passes.
“The ministry calls on all parties including foreign delegates, employers and the foreign community to disseminate this information and encourage early participation to avoid congestion before the deadline,” he said.
On March 15, Saifuddin Nasution said the Immigration Department was in the process of extending the Migrant Repatriation Program which was scheduled to end on March 31.
— BERNAMA