Sabah Immigration Deports 180 Filipino Illegal Immigrants To Bongao

LAHAD DATU, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Immigration Department deported 180 illegal Filipino immigrants by ferry via the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex to Bongao Port in the Philippines today.

Director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said they were detainees from the Sandakan and Tawau Immigration Depots, comprising 64 men, 67 women, 23 boys, and 26 girls, all aged between seven months and 67 years. 

"This detainee transfer programme by sea for the year 2024 was carried out at their own expense. They were found guilty of offenses under the Immigration Act 1959/1963 (Act 155) and the Immigration Regulations 1963, and have served their prison sentences.

"All the detainees will be blacklisted in the Immigration Department’s system," she said in a statement today.

She added that Sabah has deported 5,993 Filipinos to their home country via sea since the beginning of the year.

Sh Sitti Saleha said legal action would be taken against employers and shop owners who hire foreign nationals without valid travel documents or permits, as well as those who violate the conditions of their passports or permits.

-- BERNAMA