Medical visa: EAIC recommends charges against immigration staff

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has decided to refer a disciplinary recommendation involving immigration officers suspected of being involved in a medical visa syndicate to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

EAIC stated that this follows an investigation by a special task force formed to look into the issuance of social visit passes under the medical visa category granted to foreign nationals from several countries, which were found to have breached established procedures.

"The investigation found that there was abuse of power by immigration officers who approved medical visas for foreign nationals from several countries, despite knowing that the submitted application documents were incomplete and did not comply with the requirements stated in the Immigration circular," it said in a statement yesterday.

The commission added that they recommend criminal charges against the immigration officers involved, however, it did not reveal the number of officers.

Big fish players

Last year, Malaysiakini reported that a senior immigration officer and a businessperson from Johor, known as "Tok Yah" and "DK" were among the major players in the syndicate.

The syndicate is said to be facilitating the entry of foreign nationals under the guise of seeking medical treatment, but actually intending to engage in other activities, including working in Malaysia without proper documents.

While the MACC cracked down on the syndicate, the major players, including Tok Yah, reportedly remained free.

Following this, Malaysiakini submitted the names of seven individuals, including Tok Yah, to the Home Ministry.

The EAIC's probe, which reportedly also zoomed in on the senior immigration officer, was also triggered by the portal's reporting.

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