Immigration officers uncover 15 Chinese workers at PT BAI overstaying their legal permits.
Fifteen Chinese migrant workers employed by PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia (BAI) in Bintan have been deported after being caught overstaying their visas, following a nationwide immigration operation.
Nationwide Immigration Sweep in Bintan
The Class I Immigration Office TPI Tanjungpinang confirmed the deportation of 15 Chinese nationals working at PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia (BAI) for overstaying their residence permits. The action followed Operasi Wira Waspada, a simultaneous nationwide inspection of foreign nationals conducted on 16 July 2025, under the directive of the Acting Director General of Immigration.
Permit Misuse, Not Work Violation
Head of Immigration Tanjungpinang, Ben Yuda Karubaba, clarified that the case involved misuse of residence permits, not work permits. “Work permits fall under the Ministry of Manpower’s authority. This violation was purely about overstaying the legal duration of stay,” he explained on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
Immediate Action and Deportation Routes
During the inspection, officers confiscated the passports of the offenders for further investigation. Deportations were carried out in two stages: ten individuals were flown from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, to China on 24 July, while five others were sent via Sri Bintan Pura Port, Tanjungpinang, to Malaysia.
Fluctuating Foreign Workforce
According to PT BAI’s records, approximately 2,600 Chinese migrant workers are currently employed at the company. This number fluctuates as workers arrive and depart based on their visa validity periods, which range from one to five years.
Rules on Permit Renewal
Ben Yuda emphasized that residence permits can be renewed in the workers’ home country. However, once the permit expires, they must leave Indonesia before reapplying. “If the permit expires, there is no legal basis for them to remain,” he said.
Broader Context for Border Enforcement
This case underscores Indonesia’s strict enforcement of immigration laws, particularly in industrial zones with high numbers of foreign workers. For both Indonesian authorities and foreign investors, maintaining compliance with visa regulations is essential to sustaining smooth operations and bilateral relations.
The deportation of these 15 workers signals Indonesia’s firm stance on immigration control, reinforcing the importance of permit compliance among foreign nationals. For Singaporean and Indonesian stakeholders involved in cross-border industries, such enforcement measures highlight the need for rigorous monitoring of foreign workforce documentation to avoid operational disruptions.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Gotvnews (2025)
Keywords: Immigration, Deportation, Chinese Workers, Visa Violations, Bintan, PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia
