Nigerians Top Immigration Arrests In Malaysia, 53 Detained

Nigerians have emerged as the largest group of African nationals arrested for immigration offences in Malaysia this year, raising fresh concerns about the challenges facing Nigerians living and working abroad without valid travel documents.

Figures released by Malaysia’s Immigration Department showed that 53 Nigerians were among 112 undocumented African nationals arrested between January and October 31, 2026.

The number placed Nigeria ahead of other African countries whose citizens were also arrested during the period. Uganda recorded 13 arrests, Kenya had 10, while Ghana recorded eight.

The Director-General of Malaysia’s Immigration Department, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, disclosed the figures in an interview with Malaysian newspaper, Utusan Malaysia, published on Friday.

According to the immigration chief, the most common offence involved entering or remaining in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit, contrary to Section 6(1)(c) of the country’s Immigration Act 1959/63.

A total of 85 people were arrested over the offence, including 47 Nigerians. This means that most of the Nigerians arrested during the period were suspected of staying in the country without the required immigration authorisation.

The department also arrested 23 people for overstaying their permitted period under Section 15(1)(c) of the same law.

Three others were detained for allegedly violating the conditions attached to their immigration passes under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

One Nigerian was also arrested over alleged possession of forged immigration documents under Section 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act.

Other African nationals arrested during the period included six each from Somalia and Tanzania, four from Senegal, three from Algeria, two each from Burkina Faso, Togo and The Gambia, as well as one each from Guinea, Zimbabwe and Libya.

The immigration authorities also detained an Algerian employer under Section 55B of the law for allegedly employing foreign workers without valid passes.

Shaaban said the enforcement operations would continue, warning that action would not be limited to undocumented migrants. Employers and other individuals found to be providing accommodation or employment for foreigners without the required papers could also face legal consequences.

The figures come amid a separate immigration crackdown in Selangor on Thursday, November 12, during which Malaysian officers arrested 59 foreign nationals at eight business premises suspected of being used as accommodation and hiding places by undocumented migrants.

According to the department, 152 people were screened during the operation, including 75 Malaysians and 77 foreign nationals. The 59 foreigners detained comprised 53 men and six women.

The operation followed two weeks of intelligence gathering and public complaints about the premises. Officers said the suspected offences included failure to possess valid travel documents, overstaying and misuse of immigration passes.

The department said all those arrested had been transferred to immigration detention depots for further investigation under Malaysia’s immigration laws. However, it did not identify their nationalities, and there is no confirmation that the 59 detainees included Nigerians.

The latest figures have placed the spotlight on the importance of immigration compliance among Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, particularly in countries with strict rules on residence, employment and travel documentation.

For Nigerians living in Malaysia, the figures also serve as a reminder that possessing a valid passport alone may not be sufficient. Foreign residents must ensure that their visas, work permits and other immigration authorisations remain valid and are used in accordance with the conditions attached to them.

About The Author