BANTING, JUNE 14: Employers hiring illegal immigrants are reminded to register them immediately in the E-Card (Enforcement Card) programme before June 30 or face canning.
Immigration Director General, Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said, the punishment may be imposed on employers found to be hiring at least five illegal immigrants or they may be fined RM10,000 for each illegal immigrant they hire, after the closing date.
He said, this enforcement measure is taken due to many employers who have failed to register their workers despite many efforts for the last four months.
“Beginning July 1, we will fully enforce this matter.
“We suggest them not to register in the last minute to avoid congestion in the immigration offices across the country,” he said as reported by BERNAMA.
Mustafar said, since it was implemented, Immigration office has recorded even 2,000 registrations in one day and the number is expected to increase nearer to the date.
However, he said, the department will continue to complete the free registration process as quickly as possible, even adding more staff during peak period if required.
“Until last June 7, 104,507 E-Cards have been issued by the department and that is just 10 percent of the 400,000 to 600,000 illegal immigrants in the registration target.
“This is due to many employers who still think that they might be able to escape from the enforcement besides the habit of procrastinating until the very last minute,” he said.
At the same time, Mustafar said, he will step up enforcement at the 137 entry-points in this country, be it by land, air or sea, throughout the Aidilfitri celebration.
“Regardless of any celebration, be it Ramadan, Aidilfitri, other celebration and even on normal days, immigration officers and staff will continue their operation to eradicate illegal immigrants,” he said.
