Illegal Modus Renovation of Restaurants in Mal, Immigration Surabaya Deporting 8 Chinese Foreigners

JAKARTA - The Immigration Office of the Special Class I TPI Surabaya deported eight foreign nationals (WNA) from China. They were found to have violated immigration laws by abusing residence permits to work on a restaurant renovation project at Pakuwon Mall Surabaya.

The deportation process was carried out through Juanda International Airport on Monday, June 22, 2026. In addition to being expelled from the country, the eight foreigners were also subject to a withholding sanction to prevent them from returning to Indonesia in the near future.

Head of the Special Class I Immigration Office of TPI Surabaya, Agus Winarto, revealed that this violation was detected during the Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement Team's field operation on June 4.

"Officers found the foreign nationals were carrying out technical work, ranging from electrical installation, plumbing, construction, to the installation of air ventilation systems on a restaurant renovation project in the Pakuwon Mall Surabaya area," said Agus in a written statement, Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Three Patterns of Violation of Residence Permits

Based on the results of document examination, the Immigration found three forms of residence permit manipulation. Four foreign nationals holding residence permits for D2 index visits were proven to have carried out rough technical work in the field that was not in accordance with the provisions of their visas. Meanwhile, three foreign nationals holding residence permits for C20 index visits were found to be working for a different company from the guarantor listed in the immigration document.

Another foreigner who holds a limited residence permit (ITAS) with the position of technical manager was also found guilty of working at a location and company that did not match the documents of his guarantor. For this action, the eight foreigners were found to have violated Article 122 letter a of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

Protect Local Workforce Job Opportunities

Agus emphasized that this firm action was taken to uphold the rule of law as well as protect the rights and employment opportunities for local workers from illegal foreign workers raids.

"Indonesia is very open to foreign investment and labor that brings benefits for development. However, they must comply," said Agus.

He added, every foreigner is required to use a residence permit according to its provisions, work according to their position, and be active in the company that is the guarantor. Surabaya Immigration is committed to continue to tighten supervision in order to create a healthy, fair investment climate for local workers, and free from illegal practices.

For information, before this case came to light, the Surabaya Immigration Office had also kicked out three other Chinese foreign nationals who were proven to have manipulated data and falsified guarantor statements to obtain Indonesian visas.