The Sabah Immigration Department has repatriated 42 Filipino nationals from Tawau to Bongao Harbour, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, as part of its ongoing deportation programme.
Sabah Immigration director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff said the group comprised 36 men and six women, aged between 22 and 58, who had been detained at the Tawau Immigration Depots.
She said that, to date, 4,447 foreign nationals have been deported under the programme, including 2,891 Filipinos, 1,314 Indonesians, 113 Pakistanis, 92 Chinese nationals, 18 Vietnamese, and 19 others of various nationalities.
According to Sitti Saleha, all deportees had completed the necessary legal procedures in Malaysia and were issued verified travel documents before being repatriated.
She also warned that the department would take firm action against employers who harbour or employ undocumented foreign workers.
Members of the public were reminded not to shelter or protect illegal immigrants, as enforcement operations against immigration offenders will continue.
