28 December 2021
The processing of undocumented migrants at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has become more streamlined and efficient after the immigration department extended its recalibration programme to June 2022.
The programme, which allows undocumented migrants to voluntarily return to their home countries after meeting a set of criteria, was initially set to end on Dec 31.
FMT previously reported that hundreds of undocumented migrants rushed to KLIA to meet the Dec 31 deadline, but many were left stranded and missed their flights because immigration officers could not process their papers in time.
With the programme now extended, a spokesperson from a high commission, who wished to remain anonymous, said the situation at KLIA was more manageable.
“The processing is much more streamlined and efficient,” he said. “People are no longer missing their flights.”
The source added that his high commission hopes the processing will remain efficient over the next six months.
A week ago, there was confusion at the airport during the immigration process. The slow response from immigration officers and airport personnel left many missing their flights and being unable to return to their home countries.
Speaking to FMT, one migrant, who declined to be named, said the immigration officers ignored his pleas although he showed them his flight ticket and urged them to let him through.
“They didn’t bother,” he said.
He added that he had followed all the necessary procedures and could not understand why he was not permitted to depart.
Source: www.freemalaysiatoday.com
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