A total of 82 foreign nationals have voluntarily surrendered to the Immigration Department since the beginning of the year for overstaying in the country.
Mohamed Yusoff Khan, Director of the State Immigration Department, stated that the individuals surrendered under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which addresses overstaying violations.
According to Khan, the top three nationalities among those who surrendered were Indonesians (29), Bangladeshis (19), and Thais (17).
“These individuals came forward of their own accord as they wished to return to their home countries and acknowledged their immigration violations,” he explained when contacted.
The remaining individuals came from countries including India, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Sudan, Nigeria, Laos, and Iraq.
Khan also revealed that three individuals, two Cambodians and a Thai national, were detained at the state’s entry points for breaching Section 15(1)(c) and Section 55E of the same Act, which relate to overstaying and allowing illegal immigrants to stay on private property.
The director further stated that the total number of undocumented migrants detained by the department and handed over by other enforcement agencies since January had reached 493, with nationals from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand topping the list.
He emphasized the department’s appreciation for such voluntary actions, which help streamline the repatriation process and ensure a safer return for those involved.
“I urge other foreigners who have overstayed or violated immigration laws to come forward before enforcement measures are enacted,” he added.
