Indonesian Consulate in Kuching Assists in the Return of WNI Due to Immigration Violations

KUALA LUMPUR, RAKYAT NEWS –
The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Kuching has facilitated the return of 59 Indonesian nationals who were deported from Malaysia due to immigration violations.

These individuals were either detained for overstaying or had violated the terms of their entry into the country.

Raden Sigit Witjaksono, the Consul General of Indonesia in Kuching, confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the repatriation process included both the deportation of 57 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) and the return of two other nationals.

The repatriation took place via the Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) checkpoint in Sarawak to the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Entikong, West Kalimantan.

Among the repatriated individuals, 50 were male and 7 were female migrant workers. The deported workers had served their prison sentences in Malaysia for overstaying or violating immigration rules. In addition, two other Indonesian nationals, a mother and her son, were repatriated from a temporary holding facility (TSS) at the KJRI Kuching.

According to the KJRI, the repatriation took place after these individuals had completed their respective prison terms under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Immigration Department. The KJRI provided all necessary assistance to facilitate their safe return to Indonesia.

Sigit highlighted the role of the Indonesian government in ensuring the welfare of its citizens abroad, particularly migrant workers. He expressed the Consulate’s commitment to supporting the repatriation process, working closely with the Malaysian authorities to resolve the immigration issues faced by Indonesian nationals.

The KJRI Kuching also reported that this year, up to November 28, 2024, a total of 4,336 Indonesian nationals and migrant workers had been deported by the Sarawak Immigration Department. In addition to deportations, the Consulate has successfully repatriated 130 individuals through special programs.

The number of deportations has seen a significant increase over the past years. In 2020, for instance, 4,367 Indonesian nationals were deported from Malaysia, compared to 3,986 individuals in 2023. This year’s figures show a continued trend of rising deportations, underscoring the challenges faced by Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.

The KJRI Kuching has been actively involved in facilitating both deportations and voluntary repatriations, providing crucial support to Indonesian nationals involved in immigration violations. As part of its ongoing efforts, the Consulate works to enhance awareness about immigration laws and the rights of migrant workers to help prevent future violations. (Uki Ruknuddin)