We are open to foreign nationals entering Indonesia on the condition that they give benefits and hold a permit in accordance with the Law and Human Rights Minister's directives.Padang (ANTARA) - The Padang Immigration Office in West Sumatra has deported seven foreign nationals since early this year for overstaying their visas.
"The seven foreign nationals were deported for violating immigration rules," chief of the Regional Office of the Law and Human Rights Ministry in West Sumatra, R. Andika Dwi Prasetya, said on Thursday.
The foreign nationals comprised five Malaysians, a Bangladeshi, and a Singaporean.
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Prasetya said the immigration authorities will take measures against foreign nationals found violating rules in Indonesian territory, particularly West Sumatra.
"We are open to foreign nationals entering Indonesia on the condition that they give benefits and hold a permit in accordance with the Law and Human Rights Minister's directives," he said.
The immigration authorities will not tolerate foreign nationals who enter Indonesia with bad intentions, including for drug smuggling and carrying out acts of terror, that may inflict losses on the state, he added.
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"Therefore, we will conduct maximum surveillance of foreign nationals, particularly those traveling to West Sumatra," he informed.
To that end, the immigration authorities have established cooperation with hotels and lodgings to report the presence of foreign nationals periodically.
The hotels and lodgings can make their report digitally through the Foreigner Reporting Application (APOA) so that the activities and whereabouts of foreign nationals can be monitored, he said.
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Translator: Laila Syafarud, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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