KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has issued a stern warning to foreigners, especially illegal immigrants, not to take advantage of the Deepavali festivities by working or being involved in business illegally.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said the department would conduct checks to ensure illegal immigrants did not take advantage of the festive season, which could affect the income of locals.
“This check is carried out continuously to make our country’s capital a safe and comfortable destination for every individual, – local or foreign – as long as they comply with the country’s laws.
“We will give strict warnings, especially to employers and premises owners to not employ foreigners without valid permits,” he told reporters here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Wan Mohammed Saupee said over 30 premises, including shops and hawker stalls for Deepavali bazaars around Little India in Brickfields, were inspected, with the most common offence being violating Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, which is the misuse of their work permits.
During the operation, most of those checked had valid work permits, but some were found to have misused their permits, such as working as salespersons while applying to work in the construction sector.
“We gave stern warning to employers not to employ work permit holders who abuse the permit conditions,” he added.
