Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Prepares Mitigation Measures for Passengers Affected by Middle East Conflict

Tangerang, KORANTRANSAKSI.com – The impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which had caused congestion at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, has prompted local immigration authorities to implement mitigation measures.

In response, the Class I Special Immigration Office at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has prepared for various possible scenarios, including the potential for foreign nationals to overstay due to disrupted flight schedules and the anticipated arrival of tens of thousands of Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.

Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office, Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, explained that during the early days of the conflict, the airport experienced significant congestion. Several flights to and from affected regions were canceled or delayed, leaving many foreign nationals unable to proceed to their destinations.

“In the early stages, the situation was quite crowded due to widespread flight disruptions. For foreign nationals who had already completed departure clearance but could not fly, we canceled the clearance and reverted their stay permits to their previous status,” Galih stated.

He further added that for foreign nationals whose stay permits had expired or were at risk of overstaying, immigration authorities refer to a circular issued by the Acting Director General of Immigration in 2025. Under this regulation, individuals affected by emergency situations may be granted emergency stay permits.

“They are not subject to fines—effectively Rp 0. There are no administrative penalties for overstay as long as they meet the criteria outlined in the circular,” he explained.

Galih also noted that some foreign nationals had experienced overstays of two to three days due to flight cancellations. However, in accordance with the policy, they were granted relaxation measures without penalties.

Currently, conditions at Soekarno-Hatta Airport have begun to stabilize, as notifications of flight cancellations have been communicated well in advance. Nevertheless, immigration authorities remain on alert and continue to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies.

Prepared Scenarios

Immigration is also anticipating a potential surge in the arrival of Umrah pilgrims. More than 58,000 pilgrims have reportedly arrived from Saudi Arabia in the recent period. “To anticipate simultaneous arrivals, Immigration has prepared 52 autogates and 12 manual counters, all of which will be fully operated to ensure a smooth inspection process,” Galih said.

He added that in the event of large-scale simultaneous arrivals, all autogates and manual counters would be fully deployed. As of now, the office has not received official information regarding the possibility of tens of thousands of Umrah pilgrims being stranded in Saudi Arabia due to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

“We are still awaiting further information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and other relevant authorities,” Galih concluded. (TIM/RED)