By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
SANDAKAN: Nov 2, 2026 – A total of 1,069 detainees classified as Illegal Immigrants (PATI) of Filipino nationality were repatriated to their home country through two transfer programmes carried out by the Sabah State Immigration Department (JIM) on 27 and 29 October.
Of that number, 800 detainees were transferred on 29 October via Sandakan Port to Zamboanga City Port, the Philippines, aboard the vessel MV Antonia 1.
The transfer involved 590 adult men, 88 adult women, 64 male children and 58 female children aged between 16 days and 83 years.
The detainees originated from the Tawau, Sandakan and Papar Immigration Depots, while the children involved were accompanied by their respective parents or guardians.
Meanwhile, 269 Filipino detainees were repatriated on 27 October via Lahad Datu ICQS Port to Bongao Port, the Philippines, using a commercial ferry.
They comprised 168 adult men, 66 adult women, 18 male children and 17 female children from the Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau Immigration Depots.
In the same programme on 29 October, the Sandakan Immigration Depot also transferred four adult male detainees — one Nepalese and one Indian national, including two Pakistani nationals — via Sandakan Airport to KLIA2 before being sent to their home countries.
According to JIM Sabah, as of 29 October 2026, a total of 7,490 PATI detainees of various nationalities had been repatriated to their home countries.
The total comprised 5,357 Filipinos, 1,789 Indonesians, 139 Pakistanis, 141 Chinese, 29 Vietnamese and 35 from other countries.
The department stated that all detainees had completed their sentences in accordance with legal provisions and possessed valid travel documents to undergo the repatriation process.
Employers in Sabah are encouraged to participate in the digital registration programme for foreign nationals implemented by the State Government to record and manage the presence of foreign workers, particularly in the plantation sector.
JIM Sabah also warned that it will take firm action against employers who harbour foreign workers without valid permits or documents.
Such offences may be subject to action under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including fines of up to RM50,000, imprisonment and whipping, subject to legal provisions.
Source: Sabah State Immigration Department
