Illegal aliens stranded on Sumba

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: About 60 foreigners from Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan remain stranded on Sumba island after their small boat developed engine trouble on the way to Australia.

They are currently being sheltered at a hotel in West Sumba under the authority of the East Nusa Tenggara Police pending the arrival of MV Awu, which will transport them back to either Kupang or Surabaya, East Java.

The foreigners left Pasuruan, East Java, aboard the Sabar Menanti motorboat.

However, it encountered engine trouble and had to dock at Waikelo Port on Sumba island.

It is not known whether they have visas to enter Australia.

Acting head of the immigration office here, Surya Pranata, said on Saturday he had checked with West Sumba authorities and found that 37 of the 60 foreign nationals held valid passports and Indonesian visas.

"There are 37 people who have passports. The rest do not, they are relatives of the others," he said as quoted by Antara.

Kupang has become a popular gateway for illegal immigrants seeking to sneak into Australia.

Immigration officials here last year recorded 166 immigration violations.