Malaysia, Philippines discuss swift repatriation of 5,000 undocumented migrants detained in Sabah depots

MANILA, Aug 18 — Malaysia and the Philippines met today to discuss expediting the repatriation of over 5,000 undocumented Philippine migrants currently detained in four immigration depots in Sabah. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan informed reporters that an evaluation by the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur revealed that more than 1,000 individuals are ready for immediate deportation.

During the 9th Malaysia-Philippines Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mohamad expressed that Malaysia seeks swift action from the Philippine government to return its citizens, either through sea routes or other feasible means. The foreign minister also highlighted that Malaysia wishes for the Philippine government to oversee the educational needs of the undocumented migrants' children in Sabah, with the condition that the schools are managed directly by the Philippine government to maintain proper oversight.

The repatriation matter doesn't involve a discussion on Sabah's claim, which was acknowledged as Malaysian territory by the United Nations.