Kuala belait: During ‘Operasi Panyap’, an operation targeting foreign workers in rented accommodations, 12 foreigners were detained by authorities in Mukim Liang, Kuala Belait. They were subsequently brought to the Law Enforcement Division for further investigation.

According to Radio Television Brunei, three of those detained are suspected of overstaying in the country after their immigration passes had expired. Additionally, nine individuals were unable to present valid documents and are believed not to be employed by their original employers, raising concerns about their legal status and employment conditions.

The Department of Immigration and National Registration also highlighted a recent prosecution under the Immigration Act, Chapter 17. Nowaphon Ponthai, a Thai national, faced court on two separate charges. The first charge, under the Women and Girls Protection Act, Chapter 120, resulted in an 8-month imprisonment sentence. The second charge, related to overstaying after the expiration of an immigration pass, led to a 6-month imprisonment sentence and a $BND 1,000 fine. Failure to pay the fine resulted in an additional one-month imprisonment, culminating in a total of 15 months imprisonment, which commenced on 27th September.