Immigration deports eight Chinese nationals from Surabaya

The Surabaya Class I Special TPI Immigration Office has deported eight Chinese nationals for misusing their stay permits to work on a restaurant renovation project at Pakuwon Mall Surabaya. The deportation was carried out via Juanda International Airport on Monday (22/6) after officers discovered the eight foreigners performing technical work at the project site. Head of the Surabaya Class I Special TPI Immigration Office, Agus Winarto, stated that the violation was uncovered during a field operation by the Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement Team on 4 June 2026. “Officers found the foreign nationals carrying out technical work, ranging from electrical installation, piping, and construction, to the installation of air ventilation systems on the restaurant renovation project in the Pakuwon Mall Surabaya area,” Agus said. Four foreigners holding D2 index visit stay permits were suspected of performing on-site technical work inconsistent with the purpose of their permits. Three foreigners holding C20 index visit stay permits were found working for a company different from the sponsor listed in their immigration documents. One foreigner holding a limited stay permit with the position of technical manager was also proven to be working at a site and for a company inconsistent with their sponsor documents. “Indonesia is very open to investment and foreign workers who bring benefits to development. However, they must comply,” he stated. He stressed that every foreign national must use their stay permit in accordance with the activities carried out, work according to their position, and work for the company acting as their sponsor. The eight foreigners were declared to have violated Article 122 letter a of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration. Agus said the strengthening of intelligence functions, field operations, and synergy with relevant agencies is being carried out to ensure the activities of foreigners within the Surabaya Immigration working area comply with legal provisions. “We are committed to creating a healthy investment climate, fair for local workers, and clean from illegal foreign practices,” Agus said.