SANDAKAN: The Sabah Immigration Department deported 650 Filipino undocumented immigrants by sea Thursday from Sandakan Port aboard MV Antonia 1 bound for Zamboanga City.
Immigration Deputy Director-General (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said all were from the Papar Immigration Depot. They comprised 565 men, 50 women, 34 children under 12 and one infant accompanied by their guardians. Ages ranged from one to 82 years old.
Jafri said this during a media conference attended by Sabah Immigration Director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof.
As of Oct 3, a total of 3,418 Filipino detainees were repatriated by sea and air, contributing to an overall count of 5,713 deported foreign nationals this year.
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Jafri said the frequency of these operations depends on cooperation from the Philippines Embassy in expediting documentation.
Unlike other countries with embassies in Sabah, the Philippine Embassy is in Peninsular Malaysia.
He hailed the cooperation of other embassies, particularly Indonesia's, which provides air transport for vulnerable citizens and seniors. Myanmar was also commended for its collaboration.
Employers in Sabah were reminded to ensure their foreign workers possess valid work permits. Tourists with social visit passes were cautioned against misusing their visas, as violations could result in prosecution and entry bans.
Jafri affirmed the Department’s commitment to continuing enforcement operations and immigrant transfers per current policies and laws.
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