PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department is committed to providing world-class services not only in the aspects of security and enforcement but also in national economic development.

Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said this commitment aligns with the theme of the 102nd Immigration Day celebration, "Imigresen Perkasa di Persada Dunia".

The department, Ruslin said, has a long history of safeguarding the country's entry and exit points as well as contributing to its economic prosperity.

"The Immigration Day celebration is an annual event observed on July 21 since the year 2000.

"July was chosen as the celebration month in conjunction with the introduction of the first immigration law on control of entry into the country, the 'Passenger Restriction Ordinance 1922,' which came into effect on July 21, 1922.

"Immigration Day is celebrated to instill a spirit of dedication as well as to recognise immigration workforce who have contributed to ensuring the nation's sovereignty," he said.

Ruslin said the significant role played by the department can be seen as it has become the third-highest revenue-generating agency after the Inland Revenue Board and the Customs Department.

The department, he said, had collected RM5.59 billion last year, among others, from the levy on foreign workers as well as payments for passes and passports.

"Our role is not only to facilitate the entry process of foreign visitors but also to ease the entry of foreign investors into Malaysia, as one of our priorities is to make this country as a top investment destination.

"This includes shortening the pass processing time, reducing complications, and bureaucracy, including in the context of tourism, education, and health," he said.

As such, Ruslin said the role of the department should not only be seen as only executing operations to detain illegal immigrants but should be viewed in a larger context of contributing to the national economy.

On 102nd Immigration Day celebration, Ruslin said the event is expected to start at 8.30am with the inspection of guard of honour before it is officiated by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1079899/immigration-reaffirms-commitment-national-security-and-prosperity