Malaysia Arrests 53 Nigerians for Immigration Offences, Highest Among African Nationals

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has arrested at least 53 Nigerians for various immigration offences between January and October 31, making Nigerians the largest group of African nationals apprehended during the period.

Out of the 53 Nigerians arrested, 47 were allegedly found to have entered or remained in Malaysia without valid immigration passes or permits.

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The figures were disclosed by Malaysia’s Immigration Department Director-General, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, in an interview with Malaysian newspaper Utusan Malaysia published on Friday.

According to the report, a total of 112 African nationals were arrested during the period, with Nigerians accounting for the highest number.

Uganda recorded the second-highest number with 13 arrests, followed by Kenya with 10 and Ghana with eight.

Other African nationals arrested included citizens of Somalia and Tanzania, with six each, while Senegal recorded four arrests.

Algeria, Burkina Faso, Togo and The Gambia also recorded arrests, alongside nationals from Guinea, Zimbabwe and Libya.

47 Nigerians Arrested Over Invalid Immigration Documents

Shaaban said most of the arrests were connected to violations of Malaysia’s immigration laws, particularly entering or remaining in the country without valid documentation.

He disclosed that 85 people were arrested for the offence under Section 6(1)(c) of Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63, with Nigerians accounting for 47 cases.

“The primary offence recorded is entering and remaining in the country without a valid pass or permit, under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63; this resulted in 85 arrests, 47 of which involved Nigerian nationals,” he said.

The immigration chief added that another 23 individuals were arrested for overstaying the period permitted by their immigration passes.

Three others were apprehended for allegedly violating the conditions attached to their immigration permits.

The report also indicated that another Nigerian was arrested over alleged possession of forged documents.

Malaysia Warns Employers Against Hiring Undocumented Migrants

Shaaban disclosed that immigration enforcement operations were ongoing, with authorities targeting foreigners staying in the country illegally.

He also warned employers against hiring undocumented foreign workers or providing accommodation to migrants without valid immigration papers.

According to him, individuals and businesses found facilitating illegal immigration would also face enforcement action.

“These ongoing enforcement operations reflect the authorities’ steadfast commitment to curbing the presence of undocumented migrants and taking firm action against any employers who harbour or employ them,” he said.

The Malaysian Immigration Department did not disclose the identities of the Nigerians arrested or the specific locations where they were apprehended.

Arrests Follow Detention of Three Nigerians in India

The latest arrests in Malaysia come days after three Nigerians were reportedly arrested in Delhi, India, over alleged immigration violations.

The three men were apprehended during an immigration check in southwest Delhi on October 31 and subsequently transferred to a detention centre.

The developments highlight continuing immigration enforcement activities targeting undocumented foreign nationals in different countries.

Nigerians travelling, studying or working abroad are advised to ensure that their visas, residence permits and other immigration documents remain valid to avoid arrest, detention or possible deportation.