Visa scandal: Source says EAIC requests more details from immigration, cops

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has requested an explanation from the Immigration Department concerning a medical visa scandal involving the entry of foreign nationals.

A source from the department disclosed this information to Malaysiakini.

“We (the Immigration Department) received a letter from the EAIC last week asking for information on over 500 foreign nationals from approximately 10 countries who were granted 'medical visas' by an immigration officer,” said the source.

According to the source, the majority of approvals were for Chinese nationals.

“A large number of approvals were for Chinese nationals. We heard that the EAIC also sent a letter to the police requesting information regarding these approvals,” the source added.

A police source close to the case also confirmed to have received a letter from the EAIC.

“From the list of names we obtained (foreign nationals granted medical visa approvals), some had previously been detained for fraud offences.

“We are currently reviewing these cases in detail before responding to the EAIC’s letter,” the source said.

Malaysiakini has reached out to the Immigration Department and the police for further comments.

Special team

When contacted, the EAIC stated that the agency would not make any comments until the investigation is concluded.

“The EAIC’s position on this matter remains unchanged. No further statements will be issued as the investigation is ongoing,” it said.

Previously, the EAIC formed a special team to investigate alleged misconduct linked to the syndicate.

A full investigation is being conducted in accordance with subsection 27(4), read in conjunction with subsection 26(3) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009.

The team also raided the Visa, Pass, and Permit Division of the Immigration Department in Putrajaya, seizing 156 files of Social Visit Pass (Medical Pass category) applications.

In addition to immigration officers, the investigation also involved several officers from the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry.

The Immigration Department previously assured that it would not compromise with any officers involved in the syndicate.

The EAIC is a federal statutory body with the authority to investigate any complaints of misconduct by enforcement officers or enforcement agencies.

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