The Malaysian government extended the deadline of its Labour Recalibration Programme by six months for repatriation of the undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshi workers.
Under the programme, the job destination country allowed voluntary return of migrant workers to their own countries.
The programme was launched on November 16, 2020, while its deadline was scheduled to end on December 31, 2021.
Quoting immigration dept director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud, Bernama, the Malaysian state news agency, reported on Thursday that the recalibration programme for repatriation of the undocumented migrants was extended to June 30, 2022.
In a statement, he said the extension was approved by the Cabinet in its meeting on Wednesday.
According to him, 192,281 undocumented migrants had registered themselves to be sent home voluntarily under the programme, which was conducted from December 2020 until Tuesday.
Indonesia topped the list with the highest number of immigrants (99,047), who registered for the programme, followed by Bangladesh (26,821), and India (23,844).
"Of the total, 162,827 undocumented migrants had returned to their own country," he added.
Mr Khairul also advised them to be at the counter for the programme 24 hours before their departure and not to turn up too early - to avoid causing congestion at airport and jetty terminals.
The programme allows undocumented migrants to return home voluntarily, if they meet certain conditions set by the authorities.
Those wishing to join the programme are required to possess valid travel documents, approved by their respective embassies and high commissions, as well as flight or ferry tickets to their own countries.
They are also required to pay a RM 500 compound, either via debit card, credit card or Touch 'n' Go e-Wallet, as well as show an RT-PCR test result slip that is valid for 72 hours before departure.
