Authorities tighten enforcement as misuse of social visit pass by China nationals remain low

MALAYSIA has recorded 3.45 million arrivals from China up to 30 September this year, with 871 Chinese nationals detained for various immigration offences, according to the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Of those detained, 418 individuals were found to have misused the Social Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Sosial, or PLS) by engaging in unauthorised employment or business activities. The number, however, represents just 0.013 per cent of total Chinese visitors during the period.

“The government takes seriously the issue of foreigners entering Malaysia on a Social Visit Pass and then working or engaging in business activities illegally. This is an offence under Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963,” Saifuddin said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Dewan Rakyat website.

He added that for the full year of 2024, total Chinese arrivals stood at 3.95 million, with 1,009 individuals arrested for immigration-related offences. Of these, 309 were detained for misusing the PLS – equivalent to 0.008 per cent of total arrivals.

The minister was responding to a question from Ching Chueng Jen (PH-Stampin), who had asked about measures being taken to address concerns that foreign nationals, particularly from China, are affecting the income of local traders and contractors by working illegally under social visit passes.

To address the issue, the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) has been conducting periodic and targeted enforcement operations nationwide, including at 224 identified hotspots frequented by foreign nationals.

“Among the actions taken are operations such as Ops Belanja, Ops Jaja and Ops Selera, focusing on employers who hire or harbour undocumented migrants, alongside integrated operations with other enforcement agencies for a more comprehensive approach,” Saifuddin said.

Immigration officers have also been deployed to carry out ‘omnipresence’ patrols, inspections and enforcement monitoring at locations such as wholesale markets, business centres, educational institutions and residential areas known to employ unauthorised foreign workers.

Saifuddin reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding local economic interests.

“Enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified with a ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards any foreign national violating entry conditions, as well as towards locals who are complicit,” he said. -October 17, 2025