JOHOR BARU: Thirty-seven foreigners were detained in raids by the state Immigration department for various immigration offences, here.
Its director, Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, said Ops Selera and Ops Sapu were conducted around Johor Baru on Friday (Aug 15) with the involvement of 40 officers.
“The arrests involved 13 Myanmar men, 10 Myanmar women, five Bangladeshi men, three Indonesian men and six Indonesian women, aged 21 to 60.
“Two foreigners also tried to escape during the operation but were nabbed.
“A local man, who was the premises owner, was also arrested for harbouring the foreigners,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 17).
He said the detainees were found without valid permits, overstaying despite expired or revoked permits, and misusing social visit passes.
“Six notices were also issued requiring individuals to appear at the Enforcement Division office to assist investigations.
“All detainees have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further action,” he added.
Mohd Rusdi said the operation was based on intelligence from public complaints about foreigners working without permits.
“We will continue to step up enforcement against foreigners committing immigration offences, and will not compromise with employers, premises owners or individuals who hire or harbour them.
“Eligible foreigners are also encouraged to join the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, which runs from May 19 until April 30 next year, to return home voluntarily,” he said.
