Indonesian immigration authorities have deported a Nigerian national after he allegedly failed to present valid travel documents or a residence permit to immigration officers.
According to ANTARA News, the Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre in Riau Islands Province disclosed on Thursday that the Nigerian was among two foreign nationals deported on Tuesday, August 18, through the immigration checkpoint at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang.
Authorities said the Nigerian violated Article 71(b) of Indonesia’s Immigration Law after he was unable to provide valid travel or residence documents when requested by immigration officers.
Before his deportation, the Nigerian was detained at the Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre, where immigration authorities verified his identity and completed the necessary travel documentation.
An official of the detention centre, I Wayan Putu Wiadnya, said the deportation was an administrative immigration measure against foreigners found to have violated the country’s immigration regulations.
He said the authorities ensured that the deportation process was carried out professionally, safely, orderly and in line with established procedures.
The Nigerian was deported alongside a Palestinian national, who was found to have overstayed in Indonesia in violation of Article 78(3) of the country’s Immigration Law.
The Head of the Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre, Erybowo Radyan Asmono, said the deportations formed part of efforts to enforce immigration laws and regulate the presence of foreign nationals in Indonesia.
He stressed that while immigration enforcement was important to protecting national sovereignty, such actions must be carried out firmly, professionally and with consideration for humanitarian principles.
Asmono added that all foreign nationals were expected to comply with Indonesia’s immigration laws and regulations, warning that appropriate administrative measures would be taken against violators.
