CMCO: Government sends home 2,189 Indonesian immigrants from today

A total of 2,189 illegal immigrants (PATI) from Indonesia at the immigration detention depots across the country will be sent back in the first phase of deportation starting Saturday.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the first batch of 450 PATIs were dispatched by three flights to three locations namely Jakarta, Medan and Surabaya.

He said he this will be followed by another group of 445 PATI on June 10 to the same destinations.

"In addition, the deportation process will also use the sea route, with 1,294 PATI scheduled to leave for Medan on June 22.

"This (2,189 PATI) is the first phase while the second phase will involve 2,623 PATI who will be sent home when their documentation process is complete.

"I understand that some do not have documents and the Indonesian government will prepare them, perhaps using a one-way pass and it is being handled by the Indonesian Embassy," he said.