Four Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Overstaying and Other Offences in Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan: Four foreign nationals have been sentenced to imprisonment and whippings for overstaying their visas and other offences in Brunei, as announced by the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

According to Radio Television Brunei, three separate prosecution sessions under the Immigration Act, Chapter 17, addressed the issue of overstaying. The cases involved individuals whose immigration passes had expired. A 48-year-old Bangladeshi, Mutukumar Karuppiah, was sentenced to five months imprisonment and three whippings. His sentence commenced on December 4, 2024. Another Bangladeshi national, 26-year-old Muhammed Juwel Miah, received a six-month imprisonment sentence along with three whippings, effective from December 28, 2024.

Additionally, a 54-year-old Indonesian named Suroso pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months imprisonment and three whippings. However, due to his age, the whipping was substituted with a $1,000 fine. In case of default, his sentence would extend to seven months imprisonment. His sentence began on January 7, 2025.

Furthermore, Md Rasel Sheikh, a 32-year-old Bangladeshi, faced charges for stealing sheet metal and roofing zinc, leading to a 12-month imprisonment sentence. He also faced charges under the Immigration Act for overstaying, resulting in a seven-month imprisonment sentence and three whippings. His total sentence amounted to 19 months imprisonment and three whippings, starting from his remand date on December 28, 2024. The case was transferred from the Royal Brunei Police Force.