Employers warned not to hire, bring immigrants into country

 By Olivia Miwil - July 17, 2021 @ 11:32am

Stern action will be taken against employers involved in bringing in and hiring illegal immigrants, said Deputy Home Minister II Jonathan Yasin (2nd from right). - Pic courtesy of SABAH IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

RANAU: Stern action will be taken against employers involved in bringing in and hiring illegal immigrants, said Deputy Home Minister II Jonathan Yasin.

This year, the Sabah Immigration Department conducted 601 operations which saw 34 employers being charged, 1,061 immigrants arrested and 1,739 deported to their country of origin.

"The joint operations also targets employers suspected of hiring and protecting immigrants, as well as syndicates bringing them into the country.

"Stern action in line with existing laws and regulations will be taken without compromise," he said in a statement

Meanwhile, the department's deputy assistant director (enforcement) Romel Mococo Rodolfo recently led a joint Operasi Patuh with 67 immigration officers, 27 People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) and four Civil Defence personnel.

During the two-day operation starting yesterday, 65 out of 173 employers were warned not to hire or be involved in bringing immigrants into the country.

Several illegals were also detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not having passports or other valid documents, or overstaying.

The detainees would undergo health screening including Covid-19 tests before being sent to the detention centre.

"The Sabah Immigration Department would like to express its appreciation and gratitude to the public who provided the information.

"I would like to urge people not to protect illegal immigrants in Sabah and report immediately to the authorities."