Malaysian immigration authorities have arrested 53 Nigerians for alleged immigration offences, making Nigerians the largest group of African nationals detained during nationwide enforcement operations conducted between January and October 31, 2026.
The arrests formed part of a wider immigration crackdown that resulted in the detention of 112 undocumented African nationals across Malaysia, according to a report by Malaysian newspaper, Utusan Malaysia.
Key Highlights
- Malaysia arrests 53 Nigerians for alleged immigration offences.
- A total of 112 undocumented African nationals were detained between January and October 2026.
- Nigerians accounted for the highest number of arrests among African nationals.
- Ugandans, Kenyans and Ghanaians recorded the next-highest arrest figures.
- Most Nigerians were arrested for allegedly entering or remaining in Malaysia without valid immigration documents.
- Malaysian authorities warn against illegal employment and accommodation of undocumented migrants.
Nigerians Top List of African Nationals Arrested in Malaysia
The figures were disclosed by the Director-General of Malaysia’s Immigration Department, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, during an interview with Utusan Malaysia.
According to the report, Nigerians recorded the highest number of arrests, with 53 nationals detained during the period under review.
Ugandans followed with 13 arrests, while Kenya recorded 10 and Ghana eight.
Other African nationals arrested included six Somalis, six Tanzanians, four Senegalese, three Algerians, two Burkinabe, two Togolese and two Gambians. Guinea, Zimbabwe and Libya recorded one arrest each.
Immigration Violations Account for Majority of Arrests
Shaaban explained that the most common immigration offence involved entering or remaining in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit, contrary to Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The offence accounted for 85 arrests, including 47 Nigerians, representing the overwhelming majority of those apprehended under the provision.
The immigration chief further disclosed that 23 people were arrested for overstaying their authorised period in Malaysia, contrary to Section 15(1)(c) of the same legislation.
Another three individuals were detained for allegedly violating the conditions attached to their immigration passes under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
In addition, one Nigerian was arrested over the alleged possession of forged documents, an offence punishable under Section 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act.
Malaysian authorities also arrested an Algerian employer under Section 55B of the Act for allegedly employing foreign workers without valid immigration passes.
Malaysia Warns Employers Against Hiring Undocumented Migrants
Shaaban said the enforcement operations were part of the government’s efforts to tackle undocumented migration and prosecute employers accused of employing or accommodating foreign nationals without proper immigration documentation.
He warned that immigration authorities would sustain enforcement actions against undocumented migrants, as well as individuals and businesses found harbouring or employing foreign nationals illegally.
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However, the report did not disclose the identities of the Nigerians arrested or the specific locations where the immigration enforcement operations were conducted.
Nigerians Face Immigration Enforcement in Other Asian Countries
The arrests in Malaysia come amid reports of Nigerian nationals facing immigration-related enforcement actions in other Asian countries.
PUNCH had earlier reported that three Nigerians were arrested in Delhi, India, during an immigration verification exercise in southwest Delhi on October 31 over alleged possession of invalid immigration documents.
The three men were subsequently transferred to a detention centre.
The latest arrests in Malaysia highlight the importance of complying with immigration regulations and ensuring that all travel, residency and employment documents remain valid when living or working abroad.
