Nunukan, N Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Immigration Office in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, foiled the departure of illegal Indonesian workers to the Malaysian state of Sabah on Tuesday (July 16) at around 9:00 a.m. local time.

Dozens of illegal Indonesian workers were found aboard the Labuan Express ferry for Tawau, Sabah State.

The head of the Intelligence and Enforcement Section of the Nunukan District immigration office, Bimo Mardi Wibowo, confirmed on Wednesday the case of 10 illegal Indonesian workers, consisting of seven men and three women.

The illegal migrant workers, aged between 18 and 44 years old, came from Baubau and Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi, with the aim of being employed in Sabah.

"The delay in the departure was made in connection with the discovery of their strong indications to violate the Indonesian Non-Procedural Workforce," said Bimo.

He explained the delay in the departure of the workers was based on the Circular of the Directorate General of Immigration Number: IMI-0277.GR.02.06 of 2017 concerning prevention of non procedural Indonesian migrant workers.

Related news: Police thwart smuggling of Indonesian workers into Malaysia
Related news: 39 workers of East Nusa Tenggara deported from Malaysia
Related news: Ministry foils attempt to smuggle illegal migrant workers

Translator: Rusman/Bambang Purwanto
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019