Sarawak Immigration Dept Detains 39 Undocumented Foreigners

KUCHING, May 21 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Immigration Department (JIM) detained 39 undocumented migrants during enforcement operations at several construction sites and temporary workers' longhouses around this city yesterday and today.

Sarawak JIM said that those detained were aged between 18 and 56.

"Among the locations raided were an apartment construction site in Pending, a housing project in Bintawa, and temporary workers' longhouses in the Demak Laut industrial area.

"Inspections revealed that some of the foreigners detained are believed to have committed various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including overstaying, working without a valid pass or work permit, and abusing social visit passes for employment purposes," the statement said.

According to Sarawak JIM, all the detained undocumented migrants have been taken to the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division office for further action and detailed investigation.

"In the same operation, two employers were also summoned to the office to assist in investigations and provide statements regarding the employment of foreigners at the involved premises," it added.

-- BERNAMA