Malaysia Arrests 53 Nigerians Over Immigration Offences, Highest Among African Nationals

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has arrested at least 53 Nigerians over various immigration offences between January and October 31, 2026, making Nigerians the largest group of African nationals apprehended during the period.

The country’s Immigration Department Director-General, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, disclosed the figures, stating that 47 of the Nigerians were arrested for allegedly entering or remaining in Malaysia without valid immigration passes or permits.

According to Shaaban, a total of 112 African nationals were arrested during the period for immigration-related violations, with Nigerians accounting for the highest number.

Uganda recorded the second-highest number of arrests, with 13 nationals apprehended, followed by Kenya with 10 and Ghana with eight.

Other African nationals arrested included six each from Somalia and Tanzania, four from Senegal, while Algeria, Burkina Faso, Togo and The Gambia also recorded arrests ranging from two to three people each. One national each from Guinea, Zimbabwe and Libya was also apprehended.

Shaaban explained that the most common violation involved entering or remaining in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit, an offence punishable under Section 6(1)(c) of the country’s Immigration Act 1959/63.

He disclosed that 85 people were arrested for the offence, with Nigerian nationals accounting for 47 of the cases.

“The primary offence recorded is entering and remaining in the country without a valid pass or permit, under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63; this resulted in 85 arrests, 47 of which involved Nigerian nationals,” he said.

The immigration chief also warned that enforcement operations would continue, stressing that employers who hire undocumented migrants or provide them with accommodation could also face legal consequences.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, the latest figures place Nigerians at the top of the list of African nationals arrested in Malaysia for immigration-related offences during the 10-month period.