Many Discussions On Chinese Foreigners Are Free To Enter But Homecoming Is Prohibited, Immigration Affirms All Are According To The Rules

JAKARTA - Immigration Office of Ministry of Law and Human Rights affirms that all foreign citizens (WNA) from China who enter Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta Airport, have fulfilled immigration regulations. Chinese foreigners are also said to have complied with international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

The Director-General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Jhoni Ginting, explained the rules referred to as Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 26 of 2020 concerning Visas and Stay Permits in the Adaptation Period for New Habits and Circular Number 8 of 2021 concerning International Travel Health Protocols during the Pandemic Period COVID-19.

"The handling of every foreign citizen who comes to Indonesia has followed the rules of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force. Immigration officers will not give permission to enter if the foreigners do not pass the health check by the officers,” said Jhoni in a written statement, Friday, May 7.

The health examination, said Jhoni, was carried out by officials from the Port Health Office of the Ministry of Health (KKP Kemenkes) according to the arrival protocol for international travelers. After the health check, the immigration officer will also check all travel documents and immigration documents for every foreigner who will enter Indonesia.

Jhoni said that currently, the rules for prohibiting entry for foreigners during the COVID-19 pandemic period still apply. The arrival of foreigners to Indonesia is only permitted for essential purposes such as working on national strategic projects and vital objects, family reunification, medical and humanitarian assistance, and transportation crew.

"Regarding the arrival of foreigners to Indonesia, we say that those who come have received recommendations from related agencies and will work on national strategic projects, not for tourist purposes," said Jhoni.

Until now, the prohibition still applies to foreigners who want to come for tourist purposes. The government has also temporarily suspended the granting of free visit visas and Visa On Arrival (VOA) since early March 2020 to prevent a spike in the spread of COVID-19.