Expats probed for visa abuses

JAKARTA: The immigration office has been investigating 18 Canadian and United States citizens for allegedly abusing their immigration privileges.

The director of surveillance and litigation of immigration, Zaiman Nurmatias, said the foreigners are suspected of working for PT Ariawest International which has a contract with PT Telkom Regional Division III in West Java.

"They are suspected of violating their visas and limited stay permits which are not for West Java but for Jakarta. We are conducting an intensive investigation," Zaiman said on Thursday.

He said the suspects could face up to five-years in jail or Rp 25 million fines if found guilty. (mds)