'Threat to national security': Saifuddin warns employers hiring undocumented migrants

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has warned local employers against perpetuating problems of undocumented migrants in the country, saying such action could constitute contributing to threats against national security.

The warning today follows increased public scrutiny of border security and alleged inaction by authorities.

“Employing and harbouring undocumented migrants for easy profits means you are also contributing to threats against national security,” he stressed.

Saifuddin, in a statement, said a total of 1,692 Malaysians were among 1,809 employers arrested this year for allegedly hiring or harbouring undocumented migrants.

The figure continues a sharp rise in enforcement against employers, with arrests increasing from 346 in 2023 to 1,859 in 2024 and 2,202 last year - according to figures cited by Saifuddin.

Citing Immigration Department statistics from Jan 1 to Sept 29, Saifuddin said the remaining 117 employers arrested were non-Malaysians.

“Enforcement cannot only be directed at undocumented migrants, but must also reach those who employ, harbour and take advantage of their presence,” he said in a social media post today.

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Saifuddin also said the arrest figures reflected the government’s push to target not only undocumented migrants, but also those who employ or shelter them.

Immigration enforcement has increasingly turned to employers this year, with director-general Zakaria Shaaban (above) saying in April that enforcement would focus more heavily on those hiring undocumented workers in an effort to reduce the “pull factor” for illegal employment.

Cracking the whip

Meanwhile, Saifuddin revealed that 37,313 undocumented migrants were arrested during 10,374 enforcement operations nationwide, in which 137,603 individuals were checked.

Saifuddin described undocumented migration as a long-standing problem stemming from weaknesses and leakages in previous administrative systems, which he said had been exploited by syndicates and irresponsible employers.

He said the Home Ministry and Immigration Department would continue conducting daily operations nationwide, rather than acting only when particular cases drew public attention.

“We can no longer merely remain on the defensive or act only when an issue arises,” he mentioned.

Saifuddin also warned foreign nationals to enter, work and remain in Malaysia through legal channels, saying action would be taken against illegal entry, document forgery and overstaying.

He further urged Malaysians not to shelter undocumented migrants, saying the issue affected the economy, security and social order.

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