KUCHING: Some foreigners allegedly made a run for it while others resorted to tears in a bid to avoid arrest but their tactics failed when Immigration officers swooped in during late-night raids around the city.
The operation by the Sarawak Immigration Department saw 35 foreigners detained after 57 individuals were inspected at Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Jalan Stutong and Moyan Square on Monday (Sept 7).
The detainees comprised 24 Indonesians (14 men and 10 women), 10 Vietnamese women and a Chinese man. They were aged between 18 and 57.
Immigration Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli was also present to observe the operation, which involved 45 enforcement officers.
“Among the offences detected were overstaying and misusing the passes issued to them.
“The passes issued are for travelling or visiting our country, and they do not allow the holders to work. Working is an offence unless they have a valid work permit,” Lokman said when met by reporters.
He added that checks also found some foreigners did not have either travel documents or passports.
The department will continue conducting further checks and verification on the status of these documents before further action is taken.
“All of the detainees will be taken to Semuja Immigration Depot for temporary detention and further investigation.”
The foreigners are suspected of committing offences under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Two witness summonses were also issued to assist investigations.
Lokman reminded employers not to harbour or employ illegal immigrants, warning that those found guilty could face legal action.
He added that intelligence-gathering and enforcement operations would continue periodically to track down foreigners committing offences under the Immigration Act.
