Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Delays Departure of 89 Prospective Illegal Pilgrims Using Work Visas

The head of the Class I Special TPI Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office, Galih Perdhana, said that this delay was due to suspicions that some people were attempting to perform Hajj illegally.

“Regarding non-procedural Hajj, as may have been conveyed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Hajj must use a Hajj visa and be registered. Currently, specifically at Soekarno-Hatta, we have delayed the departure of 89 people,” Galih told reporters at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Sunday (17/5/2026).

Galih added that some time ago they had also delayed the departure of 32 people. He said that they used various reasons to be able to reach Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.

“The last one, two days ago, was 32. The methods vary, but generally use work visas or Iqomah, which may give the impression that they have been living there. But ultimately, the main goal is Hajj,” he explained.

He explained that supervision of prospective illegal pilgrims is carried out by a joint task force involving Immigration, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He hopes this method can filter out those who will depart for Hajj illegally.

“Well, with us having a Task Force, with the help of the Airport Police and also from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, we are working together in a Task Force, and currently at Soekarno-Hatta alone, we have delayed the departure of 89 people. Hopefully, this will also provide optimal filtering,” he said.

Furthermore, Galih said that prospective illegal pilgrims usually fly using commercial aircraft. The departure process is often found at Terminals 2 and 3.

“So they use regular flights, commercial flights at T2 or T3. They may travel to Korea or Malaysia first, then go to their place of work. From there, they apply for a visa,” he said.