SANDAKAN: Some 218 undocumented immigrants were deported to the Philippines by the Immigration Department via here on Wednesday.
The deportees, arrested and temporarily detained for violation of the country’s travel regulations, were from various immigration depots in the State, and repatriated via MV Antonia 1 ferry bound for Zamboanga City.
They comprised 70 males, 70 females and 75 children (12 years and below) who were accompanied by their parents or custodians.
As of July 20 this year, a total of 4,730 detainees have been deported to their countries of origin either through sea or air.
These detainees had violated various immigration offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
The punishments for the detainees were meted under the Immigration Act as well as the country’s legal process, including up to the deportation phase.
The Sabah Immigration Department reminded all foreign nationals to ensure they have valid travel documents or work permits to work in Sabah before entering.
It said enforcement agencies in Sabah will not hesitate to take strict action against those who failed to abide by the rules.
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