MANILA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines warned on Thursday the thousands of undocumented Filipinos illegally staying in Malaysia that a nationwide immigration crackdown is expected as early as Friday.
Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said Malaysia's amnesty program ended on Thursday.
"With Malaysia's amnesty program ending (on Thursday), the DFA is advising Filipinos there to expect authorities to launch a nationwide immigration crackdown as early as tomorrow (Friday)," the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA issued the advisory after authorities in Kuala Lumpur announced on Thursday that there would be no extension to the Voluntary Deportation Program that was launched in 2016.
In his report to the DFA in Manila, Jose said the Philippine Embassy has assisted 5,844 Filipinos since the amnesty program was announced in January 2016.
"We are reminding our compatriots in Malaysia, particular those without legal immigration status, that the amnesty program ends today," Jose said.
"In view of this, we request (undocumented Filipinos) to exercise due prudence and to ensure they carry their legal documents at all times," Jose said.
Jose said the number represents less than 1 percent of the estimated 400,000 undocumented Filipinos in Malaysia.
The Embassy has also been issuing reminders on social media platforms and through the Filipino Community of the anticipated nationwide immigration crackdown beginning Friday, Jose said.
