Kuala Belait - Eleven foreign workers were detained as several housing renovation projects and shops in the Belait District came under scrutiny by Immigration enforcement officers during an inspection operation on Monday morning.

The operation, codenamed "Ops Bungkas 178/2009" was conducted by a team of personnel from the Enforcement Section of the Immigration and National Registration Department, Belait Branch, led by the Senior Immigration Officer at the branch.

The aim of operation was to track down and apprehend foreign workers suspected of having violated the country's Immigration rules and regulations, the Enforcement Section stated in a media release.

During an inspection operation at a house renovation project in Lumut, some 11 Bangladeshi workers reportedly tried to hide and flee the scene upon noticing the presence of the enforcement officers in the vicinity. The officers managed to apprehend them.

All 11 were detained and brought to the Enforcement Section for further investigation. One of the workers was found to have been employed as a grass cutter - a violation of Regulation 15 of the Immigration Act - and was issued a special pass for further investigation.

The employer was also issued with a letter asking him to report to the Enforcement Section for further investigation.

If found guilty, the worker could be charged under Regulation 35, which carries an imprisonment term of not more than six months or a fine of not more than B$2,000, or both. He also faces a compound fine of not more than $600 under Section 58 (A) of the Immigration Act for the Immigration pass violation.

The Enforcement Section of the Immigration and National Registration Department will continue to carry out patrols and operations from time to time. The section urges the public to provide tip-offs on offences under the Immigration Act and Regulations or on any suspicious activities.

The public can contact the hotlines 3331879/3341938 (Belait), 4221977 (Tutong), 2383555/2383777 (BruneiMuara) and 5221222 (Temburong) during office hours. Information provided will be held in strict confidence. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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