DHAKA: Undocumented Bangladeshi migrants can now voluntarily leave Malaysia without risking arrest for illegally staying there with paying a fine of Tk 14,300 (RM700).

Malaysian government has taken “Back For Good” programme to deal with undocumented migrants in the country.

Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia said under this amnesty programme, undocumented migrants, who have overstayed or do not possess valid travel documents will get the chance to be repatriated from Aug 1, to Dec 31, 2019.

Sources said those foreigners (who are eligible) will have to bring valid documents – passport and emergency travel certificates – as well as a ticket to return to their country of origin within seven days. They would only have to pay a total of RM700. 

Previously, unregistered Bangladeshis had to give RM 3,100 to Malaysian government to return in the country. It took two weeks. But after the application under the 'Back to Good' program, it will only take one day to get the approval.

The programme will be carried out by the immigration department in Peninsular Malaysia, without the involvement of vendors or agents. 80 immigration counters would be set up for this.

Hedayetul Islam Mandal, the first Secretary (Labor) of the Bangladesh High Commission of Malaysia, said that the High Commission was negotiating with the Malaysian authorities to return of Bangladeshi people, who living in Malaysia illegally, to the country without any kind of harassment and jail-fines. 

The Malaysian government took this program in view of that discussion with Bangladesh, others concerned. Through this, illegal Bangladeshis can easily return to the country, he added.

On July 18, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said their government has announced another amnesty programme for illegal immigrants in a fresh bid to repatriate undocumented foreigners by the end of the year. They will get a chance to come in voluntarily and pay a compound of only RM700 under the “Program Back For Good”, from Aug 1 to Dec 31.

“This programme will be conducted fully by the Immigration Department in Peninsular Malaysia without the involvement of an agent or third party, and the department has prepared more than 80 counters all over the peninsular to facilitate the programme,” he told a press conference at the Immigration Department.

In Malaysia, there are a good number of undocumented Bangladeshis as well as documented ones. Under the new program, they got the opportunity to return.

BDST: 1650 HRS, JULY 19, 2019
RS