Midnight Crowd at Putrajaya Immigration as Migrants Seek Special Passes to Return Home
Hundreds line up overnight to settle RM500 fines under Malaysia’s voluntary repatriation plan
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 14 : Long before sunrise, hundreds of foreign nationals gathered outside the Immigration Department in Putrajaya,some arriving as early as midnight all hoping to secure a special pass that would allow them to return home legally.
Each migrant was required to pay a RM500 compound to resolve their immigration offences before obtaining the special pass, issued under Malaysia’s Voluntary Return and Regularisation Programme.
By dawn, queues stretched around the building as Immigration officers began verifying documents, collecting payments, and issuing passes. Despite the fatigue and uncertainty, many expressed relief that the process offered a legal way out after years of living undocumented.
“I’ve been waiting for this chance for months. Now I can finally go back and see my family,” said one migrant worker, clutching his documents tightly.
The voluntary repatriation initiative allows undocumented migrants to settle outstanding issues and leave the country without facing arrest or heavier penalties.
Immigration authorities have reiterated their call for all foreign nationals to follow Malaysia’s immigration laws and to use official programmes for legalisation or repatriation instead of remaining in the country illegally.
The special pass, valid for a limited period, grants holders time to arrange travel and depart Malaysia safely and lawfully marking, for many, the end of a long and difficult journey.