SANDAKAN: A total of 492 Filipinos were deported back to the Philippines via Sandakan Port, here, on Wednesday.
Sabah Immigration Director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff said they were sent back as part of the State Immigration Department’s illegals deportation programme series 4 aboard the MV Antonia 1 ferry bound for Zamboanga City Port.
She said they comprised 368 men, 88 women and 36 were children aged 12 and below, adding the children involved in the repatriation were with their mothers, fathers and guardians.
“This group of deportees involve those held at Immigration depots in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. They have committed various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963,” she said.
Meanwhile, Saleha advised all foreigners to ensure they have valid travel documents and work permits that allow them to work in the country before entering.
She said all enforcement agencies in the State would always take strict action against those who did not comply with the country’s rules and laws.