15 Chinese workers deported for violating stay permits

Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - The Tanjungpinang Immigration Office in Riau Islands announced the deportation of 15 Chinese nationals employed by PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia (BAI) in Bintan district for misusing limited stay permits (ITAS).

Ten of them were deported to China through the Soekarno-Hatta Airport on July 24, 2025, while five others were sent from Tanjungpinang’s SBP Port to Malaysia and then to China, an immigration official said.

Speaking to journalists here on Tuesday, head of the Tanjungpinang Immigration Office, Ben Yuda Karubaba, said that the 15 Chinese nationals were detained during the Wira Waspada Operation on July 16 this year.

The sweep to check the credibility and validity of foreign workers’ documents deliberately focused on PT BAI since the company employs over two thousand foreign nationals, mostly from China, he informed.

After making the arrests, Tanjungpinang immigration officers processed the Chinese nationals. They found enough evidence of violations, which led to their deportation, Karubaba said.

He appealed to the Riau Islands residents to report foreigners suspected of overstaying or violating their visa terms.

“If violations are confirmed, we will take firm action according to the law,” he said, adding that the immigration authorities grant ITAS to foreigners residing temporarily for work, study, or family reasons.

ITAS holders are allowed to reside in Indonesia for one to five years, and this duration can be extended up to four times, Karubaba said.