Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has formed an immigration cyber unit dedicated to tracking and identifying potential immigration infractions by foreign nationals (WNA).

"Supervision of foreigners must be carried out proactively," Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office Suhendra stated in Badung, Bali, Thursday.

According to Suhendra, the main task of the immigration cyber unit is to search for and analyze data and collect information related to the activities of foreigners through electronic media and social media.

The cyber unit is also tasked with monitoring the behavior of foreigners whose actions could potentially trigger public unrest. The unit will also compile regular reports on implementing tasks involving immigration supervision and action.

He explained that the establishment of the cyber unit reflects the necessity of adapting technological advancements with innovative surveillance strategies for monitoring foreign nationals on the Island of the Gods.

He expects officers' performance to be more optimal and responsive in following up on violations by foreigners.

"Immigration officers must be able to detect early potential violations committed by foreigners through supervision on social media and news media," he emphasized.

Although newly formed, the cyber unit has uncovered four cases of misuse of immigration stay permits, and deportation is being conducted immediately.

Meanwhile, 159 foreign nationals were deported from January to October 2024, while 209 others were detained.

Deportation statistics revealed Nigeria led the list with 37 cases, followed by Russia at 29, China with 19, the United States at 17, and both Australia and Uganda tied at 13 cases, primarily due to overstaying visas and violating statutory regulations.

During this period, Ngurah Rai Immigration handled 11.7 million travelers, of whom 5.36 million were foreign nationals.

International visitor statistics reveal Australia leads the pack with 1.3 million travelers, significantly outpacing other nations. Following Australia, India ranks second with 460 thousand visitors, trailed by China at 404 thousand, England at 257 thousand, and South Korea at 247 thousand. The list continues with France at 240 thousand, the United States at 226 thousand, Malaysia at 211 thousand, Germany at 184 thousand, and Singapore rounding out the top 10 with 171 thousand visitors.

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Translator: Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna, Cindy Frishanti Octavi
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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