Malaysia arrests 451 for visit pass abuse

Photo courtesy of The Star

Malaysia's Immigration Department arrested 451 foreigners for misusing social visit passes between January and July 15 as authorities intensified enforcement against immigration offences.

ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS EXPAND

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said 7,105 operations were conducted and 41,596 foreigners detained for various offences during the period. The department also acted against 1,127 employers accused of hiring or harbouring undocumented workers.

Zakaria said cases involved people from several countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar, and were not dominated by any single nationality. Malaysia recorded 1,279 arrests for social visit pass abuse in 2023, 2,644 in 2024 and 2,630 in 2025.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR FOREIGNERS IN MALAYSIA

A social visit pass generally permits tourism or short visits, not employment. Foreign visitors should ensure their activities match the conditions of entry. Working without authorisation can lead to detention, removal and future immigration restrictions.

Employers should verify valid work permission before hiring foreign nationals. Anyone uncertain about their status should contact Malaysia's Immigration Department or a qualified adviser before accepting work.

24 July 2026