EAIC probing immigration officials over 'medical visa' syndicate - sources

Several Immigration Department officials are being investigated for suspected involvement in a “medical visa” syndicate, according to sources.

An immigration source told Malaysiakini that the department's visa division was raided last week, and documents were seized as part of the investigation.

“The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has started an investigation into the 'medical visa’ syndicate.

"Some officials have been called to testify,” the source said.

The EAIC is a federal statutory body established to investigate complaints of misconduct by enforcement officers or enforcement agencies, among other things.

Malaysiakini has contacted the immigration director-general’s office, the Home Ministry and EAIC to get their reaction but has yet to receive a response.

Last month, the MACC arrested two immigration officers who were believed to have conspired with syndicate agents to bring in migrants through the “counter setting” method at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 1 and KLIA2.

Before that, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said 60 individuals, including 50 enforcement agency officers, were found to be conspiring in the activity.

Long-time running

A source from the Home Ministry and a foreign agent with knowledge of this syndicate said the “medical visa setting” has been prevalent in Malaysia for a long time.

The agent explained that while the “counter-setting” method at the airport involves bringing illegal workers into the country through tourist visas, the medical visa syndicate brings in foreigners by providing medical visas so that they enter under the pretence of obtaining medical treatment.

"This new investigation involves the approval of more than 20,000 medical visas granted last year for only one state. The cost is around RM4,500 (per visa).

"As far as I know, more than RM8 million is involved in this syndicate," the agent added.

‘Many agencies involved’

The Home Ministry source revealed that various agencies under other ministries were also involved in the syndicate.

"Firstly, foreigners have to fill out a form applying for a medical visa. And they have to get verification for their treatment letter from another government agency.

"After the agency issues a letter confirming the application, the Immigration Department approves the medical visa.

"At the airport, these foreigners enter through the 'counter setting' method. After entering this country, they will 'disappear' for several years (to work illegally),” the source said.

"When they want to return, they will pay an overstay fine of around RM1,100 before returning to their home country,” the source added.

Malaysiakini did not reveal the names of the government agencies as it could not confirm their involvement in this syndicate.

The source also divulged cases of Indonesians who entered the country on a medical visa and returned to their home country by boat without paying any fines.

"This has already happened in our country involving the highest officials in the government.

"Fortunately, under the new government, there is an effort to destroy these syndicates," the source claimed.

Exposed: Shackles of rampant modern-day slave trading

Tourist visa abuse by migrants a key factor in 'counter-setting' at KLIA

Suspect in KLIA 'counter setting' case remanded 7 days

Deputy minister: Workplace rotation to dismantle 'counter setting' syndicate

LETTER | Rooting out systemic corruption in Immigration Dept