Batam immigration investigates 29 Chinese workers over permit abuse

Office head Wahyu Eka Putra said in a statement cited on Thursday that the foreigners allegedly violated immigration rules, with five suspected of abusing limited stay permits, 17 using visit permits, and seven holding visas on arrival.

“The foreign citizens were found conducting physical work activities such as welding, finishing, and installing building materials at the project site,” he added, suggesting their acts could amount to immigration offenses.

Putra highlighted that his team had detained five individuals at the office for questioning, while the other 24 had their passports seized pending interrogation.

“We are also conducting further checks on the project management and the immigration sponsors to ensure data consistency with on-site conditions, including the number of registered foreign workers and their activities at the construction site,” he said.

He emphasized that the operation reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration rules in a consistent and measurable manner.

The immigration office, he continued, will intensify surveillance across Batam, particularly in areas known as hot spots for foreign workers.

“We will take action against every indication of violation professionally based on applicable law,” Putra affirmed.

He further urged immigration sponsors, both individuals and organizations, to play a proactive role in supporting law enforcement by ensuring their visitors’ compliance with stay permit protocols.

Addressing the public, he encouraged local residents to report suspected immigration rule violations through official channels, such as the hotline accessible at +6282180889090.

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Translator: Amandine N, Tegar Nurfitra