West Papua Immigration Discovers Three Foreign Nationals Without Official Documents in Sorong

The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration for West Papua has discovered three foreign nationals in the Tampa Garam sub-district, Maladum Mes District, Sorong City, who do not possess valid citizenship or immigration documents. Head of the Immigration Supervision and Enforcement Team for West Papua, Wawan A Mido, stated that the three foreigners, who lacked official identification, were found working as fishermen during a joint operation on Wednesday (22/7). “During the operation with the Foreigner Supervision Team (TIMPORA) of Southwest Papua Province, three foreign nationals were found who could not show any citizenship or immigration documents,” Wawan said in a statement in Sorong on Friday. He mentioned that initial interviews indicated the three individuals originated from the Philippines, but their citizenship status cannot yet be confirmed as it requires further verification. The three are known to have been in the Southwest Papua region for quite a long time, living amongst the community in Tampa Garam, marrying Indonesian citizens, and having children. “We have not taken any immigration administrative action because verification is needed to ascertain their true identities,” he stated. Wawan explained that the steps being taken include data collection, profiling, and comprehensive information gathering to confirm each individual’s identity, history of presence, and citizenship status. All collected information will be coordinated with representatives of the Philippine government through a verification process, ensuring the handling of the case is based on accurate data and in accordance with international cooperation mechanisms. “We will coordinate with all relevant agencies until the identity and citizenship verification process for the three foreigners is complete,” Wawan said. Previously, TIMPORA had held a meeting to map several locations in Sorong City considered potential residences for foreigners or individuals whose citizenship requires verification. One such location was Tampa Garam, where the operation was conducted by TIMPORA of Southwest Papua together with the Directorate General of Immigration, while upholding the principles of human rights. “The joint operation demonstrates the commitment of the Directorate General of Immigration and TIMPORA to carry out integrated, professional, and humane immigration supervision,” he said.