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View all search resultsBatam immigration detains 29 Chinese over construction work
As the workers were conducting physical works incompatible with their stay permits, immigration authorities may have to deport them all.
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Batam Immigration Office officers raid the Opus Bay luxurious apartment construction site on April 21, 2026, detaining 29 Chinese nationals who were working without proper permits in Marina Bay, Batam city, Riau Islands. As the workers were conducting physical work incompatible with their stay permits, the immigration authorities may have to deport them. (Courtesy of Batam Immigration Office/-)
I
mmigration authorities in Batam, Riau Islands, have detained 29 Chinese nationals for working without the proper permits in a construction project at the Opus Bay luxurious apartments on the Marina City Waterfront, on Tuesday.
As the workers were conducting physical work incompatible with their stay permits, immigration authorities may have to deport them.
Batam Immigration Office head Wahyu Eka Putra told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the arrests were the result of information gathered in the field. Officers found the foreigners to be carrying out welding and building material installation, although they only had stay-visit permits (ITK) and visa on arrivals (VoA).
“We are still investigating this. The threat can be deportation or other administrative actions, depending on the examination results,” he said.
From the identified 29 Chinese nationals, officers secured 24 passports and brought five people to the immigration office for an initial examination. The foreigners consisted of five holders of limited stay permits (ITAS), 17 holders of ITKs and seven holders of VoAs.
Wahyu said the operation showed the Immigration Directorate General’s commitment to conduct measured supervision, not only in conducting law enforcement functions but also taking the role of a facilitator for economic development.
He emphasized that the presence of foreign workers must be according to prevailing regulations.
