CLOSE to 20,000 foreigners were sent packing last year after running foul of the law here.

The repatriation numbers have climbed steadily over the past three years, from 18,000 in 2005 to 19,100 in 2006 and hitting 19,900 last year.

Going by these numbers, on average, at least 50 foreigners a day have to make tracks for home. Those repatriated include those convicted of immigration offences as well as other crimes such as theft, vice and smuggling.

Read Chee Kin's full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.