Sarawak Immigration Detains 39 Undocumented Migrants In Kuching Construction Site Raids

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 The Sarawak Immigration Department detained 39 undocumented migrants during enforcement operations carried out at several construction sites and temporary workers’ longhouses around Kuching.

According to Bernama, the operations were conducted on May 20 and May 21, with those detained aged between 18 and 56. The raids were part of ongoing enforcement action against suspected immigration offences involving foreign workers in Sarawak.

Among the locations inspected were an apartment construction site in Pending, a housing project in Bintawa, and temporary workers’ longhouses in the Demak Laut industrial area. DayakDaily also reported that the operation was carried out by the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division.

Initial inspections found that some of the foreign nationals were suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63. These included overstaying, working without valid passes or work permits, and misusing social visit passes for employment purposes.

All detained individuals were taken to the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division office for further action and detailed investigation. Authorities said the next steps would include document verification and further checks into their status in Malaysia.

In the same operation, two employers were also summoned to assist in investigations and provide statements regarding the employment of foreign workers at the premises involved.

DayakDaily reported that the detained migrants were from Indonesia, although authorities are expected to continue verifying their full documentation and employment background as part of the investigation process.

The latest arrests highlight continued enforcement efforts in Sarawak against undocumented foreign workers, especially in sectors such as construction and industrial labour where migrant manpower is commonly used.

Immigration enforcement operations often focus on whether foreign workers have valid travel documents, legal work permits and proper employment approval. In cases where workers are found to have overstayed or worked using the wrong type of pass, action may be taken under immigration law.

The case also places attention on employer responsibility. Businesses and site operators are required to ensure that foreign workers hired at their premises have valid documents and are employed according to approved legal procedures.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring construction sites, workers’ quarters and industrial areas in Kuching as part of wider efforts to curb immigration violations and undocumented employment.

For now, the 39 detainees remain under investigation, while the two employers summoned by Immigration will assist authorities in determining whether any employment-related offences were committed.