Iranians arrested for overstaying

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Three Iranians have been arrested for overstaying their visas, a local immigration official said on Wednesday.

The head of Merauke's immigration office, Mashum Noer, said the Iranians, identified as Aliasghar, 22, Jabbar, 22, and Gholamreza, 37, were detained at the police station.

The men were apprehended at Akat Hotel on Jl. Prajurit after police found their visas were expired.

Mashum said that Jabbar overstayed for 29 days, but his compatriots overstayed more than 42 days.

The Iranians claimed they intentionally overstayed to enjoy the natural beauty of the regency, according to Mashum. (eba)