Hundreds of detainees are from various countries, including Somalia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Palestine, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, Sudan, and Taiwan.Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The Immigration officers have taken into custody at least 283 foreign people in Medan Immigration Detention House in Belawan town because they did not possess official legal documents or passports.
Chief of the house, Purbanus Sinaga, said here on Friday that hundreds of detainees are from various countries, including Somalia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Palestine, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, Sudan, and Taiwan.
"Most of the foreigners convicted of the case have violated immigration regulation because they do not have passports," Purbanus said.
Chief pointed out that some of the detainees have been occupying the detention house for several months because their respective embassy offices in Jakarta have not approached for a long time.
Thus, the Immigration Directorate General have again notified to the embassies regarding the foreigners who have been detained.
"Repeatedly, several foreign people have been detained because they do not possess passports. The civilians hand over these people to police or immigration officers," Purbanus said.
Chief added that the detainees were mostly from Somalia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Purbanus said many people from these countries have fled from the area following conflicts. "Many try to seek asylum in other countries," Chief said.
According to data from the detention house, about 268 of 283 detainees include 26 from Afghanistan, 11 from Bangladesh, 17 from Palestine, 59 from Myanmar, 62 from Somalia, and 40 from Sri Lanka.
In addition, 17 are from Iran, 22 from Sudan, 2 from Eritrea, 9 from Pakistan, and one each from South Africa, Taiwan, and Nepal.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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