D14: Illegal Immigrants

Sabah now has a population of 3.2 million of which some 25% are foreigners. Sabah has called for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into the gigantic problem of illegal immigrants in the State. The federal Cabinet has reportedly agreed and is working out the terms of reference. In 2009, Sabah was home to about 52,000 stateless children whose numbers are steadily increasing. This is mainly due to the influx of immigrants, often illegal. Majority of these undocumented children are not allowed in government schools and are often found working in fish markets or as shoe shine boys in the streets. The main contributing problem is the lax enforcement by the immigration department. Another cause of concern is the alleged granting of citizenship to illegal immigrants for political purposes.

Prayer Suggestions: • Pray for the speedy setting up of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into this problem. • Pray for stricter enforcement of border control to stem the influx of illegal immigrants. • Pray against any misuse of power in granting citizenship to illegal immigrants to be exposed and prosecuted. • Pray for effective and fair solutions for existing illegal immigrants in the state.