MAKE full use of the 3+1 programme or face being slapped with heftier punishment, including imprisonment, the Immigration Department warned.
Its director-general, Datuk Mustafar Ali, said the department was determined to continue with the crackdown on illegal workers to achieve the objective of freeing the country from illegal immigrants.
As such, efforts to hunt these illegal workers would continue even after the conclusion of the 3+1 immigrants’ repatriation programme, he said.
The 3+1 programme allows illegal foreign workers who are not qualified to go through the rehiring programme to return to their home country voluntarily.
Mustafar said the department had not set a deadline on when Op Mega 3.0 would end, adding that the crackdown would continue until the situation improved.
“We will continue to make sure that the country is free from illegal immigrants. It is not an easy task and we need cooperation from all parties. There are illegal immigrants who refuse to make use of the opportunity we are giving under the 3+1 programme. So, the stubborn ones will face the music,” he told the New Sunday Times.
More than 3,000 illegal immigrants had been arrested under Op Mega 3.0, which started on July 1. A total of 1,130 operations had been conducted, with 3,336 illegals and 64 employers arrested between July 1 and 19.
Mustafar said everyone should embrace the spirit of independence and help to flush out illegal immigrants.
“We are celebrating National Day this Aug 31, so let us take this opportunity to embrace the spirit and make sure the country is free from illegal immigrants.
“There will still be illegal immigrants in our country (after Aug 30, the deadline for the 3+1 programme).
“I have not set any deadline on when we will stop Op Mega 3.0, but as the enforcement agency tasked with eradicating illegal immigrants, we will continue to fulfil our duties,” he said.
Mustafar’s deputy, Datuk Shahril Ismail, said those arrested after the 3+1 programme ended could be sent to jail.
“Under the 3+1 programme, the compound imposed on these illegals is just 10 per cent of the actual amount.
“Those arrested will be slapped with a heavier penalty, which include imprisonment,” he said.