335 Filipinos deported via Sandakan

KOTA KINABALU: Some 335 Filipinos have been deported back to their home country via Sandakan port on Tuesday (Oct 18), said state Immigration Department.

Sabah Immigration director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff said the undocumented migrants involved those from Sandakan and Papar immigration depots (temporary detention centres), where they boarded the MV Antonia 1 ferry headed to Zamboanga City port, the Philippines.

“There were 266 men, 34 women, nine children under 12 years old and 26 toddlers under 23 months old.

“The children involved in the operation were accompanied by their respective parents or guardians,” she said in a statement.

She added that the deportation operation was part of the continuous operation by the state Immigration Department for foreigners placed at all their depots across Sabah.

Foreigners are also reminded to possess valid travel documentation and work permit for Sabah before entering the country.