Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the immigration department is currently seeking approval from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), to implement a compound fine-based approach instead of prosecution.

“This alternative offers a more humane option for affected immigrants, allowing them to return to their home countries in time for Aidilfitri. They pay the compound fine and we facilitate their return,” he said at a breaking of the fast event here last night.

He added that the repatriation programme allowed foreigners who had violated the Immigration Act to voluntarily present themselves, pay a compound fine and be repatriated, without facing prosecution.

“If they remain here and are caught in an immigration enforcement operation, they will be detained and placed in a depot. Offences such as entering without valid documents, misusing visit passes and overstaying fall under the Immigration Act,” he said.

Saifuddin said last year, the government collected RM120 million through the migrant repatriation programme.