LAHAD DATU: The Sabah Immigration Department sent home 1,071 Filipino illegals under the repatriation mega operation on the first week of Ramadan.
Its Director, Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussuf, said 180 illegals were repatriated on March 3 while another 891 were sent home on March 6.
All those involved aged between three days to 82. They were previously detained at Papar, Sandakan and Tawau Immigration Depots.
“All the detainees were transferred to their original destination, - Bongao and Zamboanga, Philippines.
“The children who were involved in this programme were accompanied by their parents or legal guardian,” she said.
According to SH Sitti Saleha, up to 2,273 illegals have been transferred back to their country of origin up to today.
She said they served their respective sentences and have valid travel documents issued by the Philippines embassy to qualify for joining the programme.
She said the department would not compromise on any foreign nationals found abusing the country’s laws and regulations.
Employers and premises that employ of harbour foreign nationals without valid travel documents and passports as well as the individuals who violate the terms of the pass or permit as stated under Act 155 and Immigration Regulations 1963 would be prosecuted.
The department also advised employers or community to hire the foreigners to work in this country via the proper channel.
The department will intensify enforcement operations from time to time to combat the presence of illegal immigrants.
