KUALA TERENGGANU: Some foreigners who were detained in an operation here expressed gratitude for the immigration inspections, which served as a reminder to their employers to renew their work permits.
A man in his 30s known as Mustafa, employed at a factory in Gong Badak, was among 220 foreign nationals detained in a sweep operation at the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) Bus Terminal area today.
"Our travel documents and work permits will expire next March, but our employer is in the process of extending the period with the Immigration Department.
"Fifteen of us, including those from Myanmar, usually go to the MBKT Bus Terminal area to shop for basic necessities and send money to our families every Friday.
"Thank you, Immigration Department, for the inspection that serves as a reminder for employers to renew our work permits," he said.
A Bangladeshi foreigner known as Burhan, 33, mentioned that employers usually remind workers to bring all their valid travel documents before going shopping.
"We also need to report to the security control post, and security guards will inspect all documents before we board the vehicle to the city.
"We go out to buy basic necessities at several grocery stores in front of the MBKT Bus Terminal, as well as to meet fellow countrymen working elsewhere every Friday," said Burhan, who is working at a plywood factory in Kampung Jambu Bongkok, Dungun.
Meanwhile, the State Immigration Department director Azhar Abdul Hamid, said 30 out of the 220 foreign nationals were detained for immigration rule violations, while the remaining 190 were released for having valid travel documents and work permits.
He mentioned that 18 foreigners were detained under Section 15(1)(C) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 for overstaying and expired work permits.
"12 more foreigners were detained under Section 6(1)(C) of the same act for not having valid travel documents," he said, adding that about 12 officers and enforcement personnel were involved in the operation that lasted approximately two hours and started at 11am.
Azhar said that such operations to ensure the legal entry of all foreigners into the country are conducted regularly.
"Operations in the MBKT Bus Terminal area are frequently carried out because it is a focal point for foreigners to shop for various basic necessities," he said.