The Department of Immigration is targeting RM3.5 billion in revenue this year, saying it is dependent on improving the economy and its convenient online and e-payment fronts to achieve that goal.

Director General Datuk Seri Khairul Dazmi Daud (pictured) said revenue would mainly come from fees, permits and passes for foreign workers as bosses want to use more hands.

He added that the collection of illegal immigrants who participated in the repatriation program was also expected to contribute significantly, with the program being extended till June 30.

“We expect more illegal immigrants to choose to return to their country as Ramadan and Hari Raya approach,” he said in an interview.

As of 5 January, 178,339 of the 200,000 illegal immigrants who have registered for the program so far have returned, with the department accumulating RM100 million in legislatures.

The labor recounting programme, under which 136,210 applications have been approved so far, has resulted in recovery of RM 200 million from deposits.

Khairul Dzaimi said the department’s revenue has always been important, but the numbers fell during the pandemic.

“We think this year’s collections may go back to pre-pandemic times, as we have also developed several systems to facilitate payments,” he added.

In 2019, the department collected RM 4.5 billion, but due to the pandemic, the amount fell to RM 2.4 billion and RM 2.5 billion in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Khairul Dzaimi said that a bright spot was the department’s ability to develop new and innovative systems and work processes.

These include EPLKS for work permit renewal, EPLSI where professional visitor passes and spouse visas can be extended, as well as eVisa for visitors from 26 countries to apply online to enter Malaysia.

“Our online initiative has received support and encouragement from the Home Secretary and the Ministry. We have a great team in the IT division who have worked tirelessly to come up with new systems,” he said.

Director General Datuk Seri Khairul Dzmi Daud (pictured) said revenue would mainly come from levies, permits and passes for foreign workers as bosses want to employ more hands.

He said illegal immigrants participating in the repatriation recount program were also expected to contribute significantly to the collection, with the program being extended to June 30.

“We anticipate that with Ramzan and Hari Rai, more illegal immigrants will choose to return to their homes,” he said in an interview.

As of January 5, 178,339 of the 200,000 illegal immigrants registered for the program had returned, with the department receiving RM100mil in compounds.

The labor recounting programme, under which 136,210 applications have been approved so far, collected RM200mil from deposit payments.

Khairul Dzaimi said the department’s revenue collection has always been important, but the figures sank during the pandemic.

“We are confident that this year collections can go back to the pre-pandemic days as we have also developed several systems to make it easier for payments,” he added.

In 2019, the department collected RM4.5bil, but due to the pandemic, the amount dropped to RM2.4bil and RM2.5bil in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Khairul Dzaimi said that the department was able to develop new and innovative systems and work processes.

These include EPLKS for renewal of work permits, EPLSI where professional visit passes and spouse visas can be renewed, as well as visas for visitors from 26 countries to apply online to enter Malaysia.

“Our online initiative has received support and encouragement from the Home Minister and the Ministry. We have a great team in the IT division, who have worked tirelessly to come up with new systems.”