Head of Law Enforcement and Immigration Patrol at the Maluku Immigration Office, Jose Rizal, said Wednesday the group was transferred to Ambon for intensive checks on their visas and residence permits.
“We want to ensure whether their documents are being used in accordance with their intended purpose,” he stated.
The joint operation discovered 22 individuals at the mining site and two others at a nearby office.
All were reportedly under the sponsorship of local company PT Harmoni Alam Manise.
Ambon Immigration Chief Eben Rifqi Taufan confirmed that the foreigners’ passports have been seized for further investigation.
Officials plan to interview the group to verify the legality of their stay and activities in Indonesia.
Authorities noted that violations could range from administrative offenses, such as overstaying visas — which carry fines and possible deportation if exceeding 60 days — to criminal charges for more serious infractions.
Immigration officials emphasized that surveillance of foreign nationals will be tightened, particularly in areas prone to illegal activity.
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Translator: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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