Malaysian immigration officers arrested 171 foreign nationals during a major immigration raid in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, on July 29, 2025. The operation, led by Basri Othman, targeted undocumented migrants and visa violators as part of a national crackdown on illegal immigration.
Key Details of the Raid
The Jalan Masjid India area, known for its busy shops and large foreign worker population, saw 160 officers question 758 people, including 254 locals, and inspect 14 businesses. Most of those detained came from India 🇮🇳, Bangladesh 🇧🇩, and Indonesia 🇮🇩, aged between 20 and 50. Authorities reported that some tried to blend in as shoppers to avoid arrest, but officers used early surveillance to spot and detain them. Detainees were held for overstaying, lacking identification, or breaking visa rules.
After the operation, all 171 detainees were sent to the Millenium temporary immigration depot in Beranang, Selangor, for further checks. This was the second large-scale raid in Jalan Masjid India in 2025, following a similar event in February.
Legal and Policy Context
The arrests fall under the Immigration Act 1959/63, which sets the rules for foreigners’ entry, stay, and work in Malaysia. The Immigration Department (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, JIM) has promised to keep up these raids to make sure both employers and foreign workers follow the law. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Malaysia is currently detaining about 16,000 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in immigration centers, raising concerns about overcrowding and living conditions.
Between January and August 2025, officials carried out 11,900 immigration raids nationwide, detaining at least 28,000 undocumented migrants. These numbers show the government’s strong focus on immigration enforcement.
Recent Policy Changes Affecting Employers and Migrants
Employers now face stricter rules when hiring foreign workers, including better documentation and regular checks. New policies require companies to:
- Submit yearly projections for Employment Passes through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal
- Follow the 1:3 Internship Policy, which means some companies must offer internships to local students when hiring expatriates
- Use the ESD system for appeals on rejected pass applications
Foreign nationals must always carry valid identification and visa documents, avoid overstaying, and follow visa conditions closely.
Implications for Communities
For migrants, being caught without proper documents can mean immediate detention and possible deportation. Employers risk fines and losing the right to hire foreign workers if they fail to comply. Human rights groups warn that frequent raids and changing rules can cause confusion and hardship for both workers and businesses.
Looking Ahead
Authorities plan to continue immigration raids in commercial areas like Jalan Masjid India. With more people being detained, pressure is growing on detention centers, and calls for reform are increasing. Employers should expect more audits and digital checks to make sure they follow the law.
For official updates and guidance, visit the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia website. Staying informed and compliant is the best way to avoid problems during this period of strict enforcement.
Learn Today
Immigration raid → A coordinated law enforcement operation targeting individuals violating immigration laws.
Overstaying → Remaining in a country beyond the authorized visa period.
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) → Malaysia’s Immigration Department responsible for enforcement and immigration management.
Employment Pass → A permit allowing foreigners to work legally in Malaysia.
Detention center → Facility where suspected immigration violators are held for processing or deportation.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 29, 2025, Malaysian officers detained 171 foreign nationals at Jalan Masjid India. This major raid combated illegal immigration, targeting those overstaying visas and undocumented workers. The crackdown reflects Malaysia’s ongoing immigration enforcement, raising concerns over migrant detention conditions and tighter employer regulations nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
