More than 28,000 undocumented migrants were deported from Malaysia in the first six months of 2025, according to figures released by the country’s Home Ministry.
Between 1 January and 6 July, a total of 28,525 individuals were removed from Malaysia under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155). The majority were adult men, numbering 21,039 (74%), while 6,145 were adult women (21%). The deportations also included 778 boys (3%) and 563 girls (2%), reflecting the presence of family units among those detained.
Indonesians made up the largest group with 11,085 deportees (39%), followed by 4,885 Myanmar nationals (17%) and 4,465 Filipinos (16%). These three nationalities accounted for more than two-thirds of the total removals.
Malaysia’s Position on Deportations
The Home Ministry reiterated that while Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, it abides by the humanitarian principle of non-refoulement, which prevents the forced return of individuals to countries where they may face danger or persecution.
Authorities stressed that UNHCR cardholders are not deported, except in cases where they are resettled in a third country. This assurance was provided in response to a parliamentary question from Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who sought clarification on deportation practices.
The ministry added that deportation exercises are conducted according to established legal frameworks, with Immigration Department data forming the basis of the reports.
Rising Enforcement and Humanitarian Concerns
Malaysia has long been a destination for migrant workers, particularly from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. However, undocumented migration remains a pressing issue, with enforcement operations regularly carried out nationwide.
Concerns have also been raised over the conditions of detention depots, including reports of overcrowding in facilities such as Sandakan, particularly during intensified operations. While Malaysia has maintained strict enforcement against illegal migration, human rights advocates continue to urge the government to balance enforcement with humanitarian obligations, especially when families and children are involved.
This large-scale deportation highlights both Malaysia’s firm stance on immigration control and the challenges of managing humanitarian considerations in one of the region’s key migrant-receiving nations.