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Starting October 2025, foreigners who overstay their visa in Malaysia for fewer than 90 days will no longer face lengthy court proceedings. Instead, they'll be fined on the spot.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the policy change aims to expedite the process of handling overstayers and easing congestion at immigration detention depots.
"Previously, all overstay cases required investigation papers to be opened and had to go through court proceedings.
"Now, there is a category where we impose compounds, specifically on those who overstay for no more than 90 days," he told reporters last week, 5 September.
Here's how the new fines will work under the new system:
- Overstay 1–30 days: RM30 per day (up to a maximum of RM900)
- Overstay 31–60 days: RM1,000
- Overstay 61–90 days: RM2,000
However, for overstays beyond 90 days, the existing procedure remains in place — investigation papers will be opened, and offenders may face prosecution.
File photo of migrant workers showing their passports during a raid in Dengkil, Selangor.
Image via Zahim Mohd/NurPhoto/AFPSo, why the change?
According to Saifuddin, the new measure reduces the time needed to complete legal action — from 14 days to just one — making it easier to repatriate offenders quickly.
"This approach also allows foreigners who overstay due to reasonable circumstances [such as illness, accidents, or natural disasters] to settle the matter quickly," he added.
As of 30 August, immigration authorities have detained 35,225 foreigners for various offences this year, after conducting 9,500 operations nationwide.
Meanwhile, another 36,557 foreigners have been deported as of August 28.
File photo of an immigration truck believed to be transporting Myanmar migrants.
