Immigration Enforcement Operations Lead to Multiple Arrests in Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan: In a concerted effort to uphold the regulations of the Immigration and National Registration Department, including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230, and the Prevention of Smuggling of Persons Act, Chapter 229, the department’s Law Enforcement Division conducted three targeted operations named Operasi Panyap in the Brunei Muara and Belait Districts.

According to Radio Television Brunei, during the operation focused on rental houses and rooms in Mukim Kilanas, authorities detained 10 foreign nationals for further investigation. Among these, 8 individuals were suspected of working on a Visit Pass and overstaying in the country after their Immigration Pass had expired. Additionally, 2 others faced allegations of complicity in an immigration offence and failing to produce valid documentation.

Further inspections at food and beverage stalls in Mukim Kianggeh and Mukim Gadong A led to the arrest of two foreign nationals. These individuals were taken into custody by the Law Enforcement Division for the offence of working while holding a Visit Pass.

An additional operation at a house renovation project site in Mukim Kuala Belait resulted in the detention of 4 foreigners who were unable to produce valid documents. Among these, 2 were suspected of violating immigration regulations by working for a different employer than authorized.