This repatriation has been conducted with the support of various parties and is a tangible manifestation of the commitment and presence of the state in protecting its citizens
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, facilitated the repatriation of 101 Indonesian nationals (WNI), who had overstayed in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Those WNIs comprised 46 mothers with 55 children, both infants and toddlers. This repatriation was conducted through collaboration with the UAE Immigration authorities, the embassy noted in a press release on Monday.

The repatriation was conducted aboard Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Abu Dhabi on November 12, 2023, with a transit in Colombo. They will arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on November 13, 2023.

Once the Indonesian nationals arrive in Jakarta, the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency will take over their care and make arrangements for their return to their respective regions.

The repatriates originate from diverse regions, with a significant majority from Cianjur, Karawang, and Sukabumi.

The repatriation process was monitored by staff from Indonesia and the UAE government to ensure it ran smoothly, from the flight to the repatriates' return to Indonesia, according to the statement.

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Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, Husin Bagis, expressed gratitude for the cooperation of all parties involved in making this repatriation possible.

"This repatriation has been conducted with the support of various parties and is a tangible manifestation of the commitment and presence of the state in protecting its citizens," he stated.

To confirm the biological connection between the repatriated citizens and their children, DNA tests were conducted by the Indonesian National Police's Division of International Relations in June 2023.

The undocumented marriages of the parents sparked concerns over the children's ability to secure their rights, including to obtain proper education.

"Therefore, they were repatriated to their homeland, so that they could be close to their families, and the rights to get proper education for their children could be assisted by the state," Bagis remarked.

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Reporter: Shofi Ayudiana
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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