Immigration Deports 25 Illegal Foreign Photographers

Jakarta, KORANTRANSAKSI.com – The Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services deported 25 foreign nationals who abused their residence permits by conducting commercial activities in the fields of photography and videography in Indonesia.

The Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, stated that law enforcement against misuse of residence permits is part of the state's efforts to provide protection to the public and national business actors from detrimental practices.

"We are grateful for the information provided by the Ministry of Creative Economy and stakeholders. Protecting Indonesian citizens from foreigners who misuse their travel purposes is part of our duties and responsibilities," said Agus Andrianto.

Agus further stated that the deportation of the 25 foreign nationals represents the Ministry of Immigration and Customs and Excise's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and enforcing immigration laws. The 25 foreign nationals were found guilty of misusing their residence permits and visas on arrival (VoA) to conduct commercial activities in the photography and videography sectors in Indonesia on Tuesday (June 9).

The action is a follow-up to the results of immigration monitoring and reports submitted by various stakeholders in the creative economy sector, including the national photography professional association.

Based on the investigation, the foreign nationals were found to be operating a photography business and services without proper residence permits. The former Deputy Chief of Police explained that Indonesia remains open to international collaboration and the presence of foreign professionals working legally and in accordance with legal requirements.

However, every foreign national working in Indonesia is required to have permits and documents in accordance with statutory regulations. "They (foreign nationals) must enter with a sponsor, except for those arriving as individuals. If they abuse their visa on arrival and work, that's the subject of our action," Agus said.

The Ministry of Communication and Development noted that VoA abuse continues to be found in various sectors, including the creative economy. Agus emphasized that the VoA facility, provided by the government to facilitate visits to Indonesia, cannot be used to conduct work or earn income without proper authorization.

"Therefore, we are ready to continue collaborating to provide protection to domestic creative businesses," said Agus. (TIM)