LAHAD DATU: The Sabah Immigration Department successfully deported 180 undocumented Filipino migrants, including young children, back to Bongao in the Philippines yesterday, as part of its 2024 deportation programme.
The group comprised 79 men, 38 women, 29 boys, and 34 girls aged between one and 80 years old.
The children were sent back to their country accompanied by either their parent or legal guardian. Sabah Immigration Department director, Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof, said the 180 migrants were among those who were kept at the Sandakan Immigration Depot and recently transported to Lahad Datu for the repatriation effort via the MV Ming Hai Express ferry.
"All costs, including the ferry tickets and transportation from Sandakan, were borne by the detainees themselves. The return fares were priced at RM375 for adults and RM210 for children aged five to 13, while those aged four and below travelled for free," she said.
The deportation was part of the department's ongoing efforts to address the issue of undocumented migrants.
"These individuals were found to have violated immigration laws, including Sections 15(1)(c) and 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, for overstaying or entering the country without valid documentation. They have completed their prison sentences and have been deported after finalising their travel documents with the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy."
Sitti Saleha added that the Immigration Department is committed to maintaining strict enforcement and ensuring foreign nationals comply with immigration laws.
"This year alone, we have repatriated 6,185 Filipinos via sea, bringing the total number of deportees in 2024 to 8,842 individuals. All deportees are blacklisted from re-entering Malaysia, depending on the nature of their offences," she said.
She added that the department's ability to expedite deportations depended heavily on the timely issuance of travel documents by the Philippine Embassy.
"The repatriation process is part of our continuous effort to manage the detention period of foreign nationals and reduce overcrowding at immigration depots across Sabah."
Sitti Saleha also urged employers and the public to adhere to proper legal channels when hiring foreign workers, warning of legal action against those who violate immigration laws. "Employers and premises owners employing undocumented migrants will face prosecution.
The department will intensify enforcement operations to tackle the issue of undocumented migrants in Sabah," she said, adding that it will continue to uphold the rule of law in the state.