Nigerian deported from Indonesia over immigration violation

Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Center in Riau Islands Province deports two foreign nationals from Palestine and Nigeria. Photo credit: ANTARA/HO-Humas Rudenim Pusat Tanjungpinang.

A Nigerian national has been deported from Indonesia after he failed to present a valid travel document or residence permit to immigration officers.

According to ANTARA News on Thursday, the Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre in Riau Islands Province disclosed the deportation on Thursday, saying the Nigerian was among two foreign nationals deported on Tuesday, August 18, through the immigration checkpoint at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang.

“The Nigerian national could not show immigration officers a valid travel document or residence permit, violating Article 71(b) of the Immigration Law,” the report noted.

Before his deportation, the Nigerian was detained at the Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre, where authorities verified his identity and completed the required travel documentation.

The detention centre’s official, I Wayan Putu Wiadnya,  said the deportation was an administrative immigration measure against foreigners who violated Indonesian immigration regulations.

He said, “We returned them and ensured the entire process was conducted professionally, orderly, safely and accountably.”

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The Nigerian was deported alongside a Palestinian national who was also found to have violated Indonesian immigration regulations.

According to the detention centre, the Palestinian national was deported for overstaying in Indonesia, contrary to Article 78(3) of the Immigration Law.

The Head of Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre, Erybowo Radyan Asmono, said the deportations were part of efforts to enforce immigration laws and maintain order regarding the presence of foreigners in Indonesia.

He said, “Immigration law enforcement is essential to protecting national sovereignty, but it must remain firm, professional and guided by humanitarian principles.”

Asmono stressed that all foreigners were required to comply with Indonesian immigration laws and regulations, adding that violations would require the authorities to take appropriate administrative action.