{
  "id": 2148319,
  "title": "Sabah Immigration repatriates 4,750 illegal immigrants",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/sabah-immigration-repatriates-4-750-illegal-immigrants",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T14:05:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1515546/sabah-immigration-repatriates-4750-illegal-immigrants"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the first half of 2023, the Sabah Immigration Department has deported a total of 4,750 illegal immigrants from various countries, according to a recent statement. Filipinos made up the largest group with 3,008 individuals, closely followed by Indonesians at 1,478. Pakistan, China, Vietnam, and an unspecified 19 other nationalities accounted for the remaining repatriations.\n\nThe department also mentioned an ongoing transfer program, which recently saw 144 Indonesian nationals moved to their homeland via a commercial ferry. These deportees ranged in age from three to 68, comprising 107 adult men, 26 adult women, four boys, and seven girls. All detainees had completed their sentences in detention depots in Kota Kinabalu, Papar, and Sandakan, and had received valid travel documents to replace their passports before departure.\n\nMalaysian Immigration authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant in their communities, to avoid providing assistance or employment to illegal immigrants, and to promptly report any suspicious activities involving these individuals to the appropriate authorities. The department encourages people to submit any information or concerns via the Public Complaints Management System or the Online Enquiry System.",
  "summary": "TAWAU: The Sabah Immigration Department has repatriated 4,750 illegal immigrants of various nationalities to their respective countries so far this year.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sabah Immigration deported 4,750 illegal immigrants in 2023 first half",
    "Filipinos comprised 3,008, followed by Indonesians at 1,478",
    "144 Indonesian nationals transferred via commercial ferry to homeland"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}