The Immigration Department must move beyond its traditional role and become a key facilitator of national economic growth while strengthening security and digital transformation, says the deputy prime minister.
CYBERJAYA: The Immigration Department (JIM) must move beyond its traditional role of controlling the country’s entry points and become a key facilitator of national economic growth, while strengthening security, embracing digital transformation and upholding integrity, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a four-point mandate had been outlined as a strategic compass to transform JIM into a department that is more relevant, trusted and respected.
The key priorities are for JIM to facilitate the country’s economic growth; strengthen national security and sovereignty; accelerate digital transformation and service innovation; and enhance integrity, professionalism and humanitarian values.
Ahmad Zahid said JIM’s transformation could not take place in a fragmented manner and must not depend on isolated initiatives or temporary changes.
“Transformation requires a clear direction, a shared philosophy and a commitment that is translated into every policy, every system and every action. That is why I believe JIM’s journey ahead must be guided by the Four-Point Mandate, One Direction for Immigration Transformation,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the 2026 Immigration Day celebration themed “Charting a New Face for Immigration” here today, which was attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
On the first point of the mandate, he said JIM was no longer merely responsible for controlling the country’s entry points but must also become a facilitator of national economic growth.
“Every unnecessary delay, every overly complicated process and every excessive bureaucracy will ultimately affect the country’s competitiveness. Take the UAE as an example, which has integrated its immigration policies with strategies to attract global investment and talent through the Golden Visa programme of up to 10 years.
“This approach has also contributed to a record foreign direct investment of RM196.6 billion in 2025, placing the UAE ninth globally as a foreign investment destination for the fourth consecutive year,” he said.
Regarding national security and sovereignty, Ahmad Zahid said JIM’s enforcement could no longer be merely reactive but must be driven by intelligence, data and technology, while being implemented through closer cooperation among all national enforcement agencies.
“Security today is no longer the same as it was a decade ago. Threats now move across borders without regard for time. Migrant smuggling syndicates are becoming increasingly organised. Human trafficking is becoming more complex,” he said.
He said the future of JIM’s management must also be driven by the use of big data, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, digital identity, biometrics and smart border systems that enable decisions to be made faster, more accurately and more securely.
“I want JIM to become an organisation that leverages technology not merely to work faster, but to think smarter, act more precisely and deliver world-class services,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also urged all JIM personnel to comply with procedures, exercise sound judgement in making the right decisions and have the courage to do what is right.
“JIM is recognised not only for its firm enforcement of the law but also for the professionalism, integrity and humanitarian values instilled within the department… and when this four-point mandate is implemented comprehensively, we are not merely building a more efficient department.
“It will chart a new face for JIM as a strategic institution that serves as a bulwark of national sovereignty, a catalyst for economic competitiveness and a symbol of public trust,” he stressed.
At the event, Bernama deputy editor-in-chief of news service Mohd Shukri Ishak, representing the Malaysian National News Agency, received a JIM media appreciation award presented by Ahmad Zahid.
