UAS Refused To Enter Singapore, Directorate General Of Immigration: No Immigration Problems But Local Authorities

Ustaz Abdul Somad (Photo: IG @ustadzabdulsomad_official)

JAKARTA - The Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkum HAM) said that the rejection of Ustaz Abdul Somad or Abdul Somad Batubara when he entered Singapore with his family was not due to immigration problems. This refusal occurred because of the decision of the country.

"There are no problems with the seven of them in their passports. Indonesian immigration has already complied with the regulations. The reason why the immigration authorities rejected them is the full authority of Singapore," said Sub-Coordinator of Public Relations of the Directorate General of Immigration Achmad Noer Saleh in a written statement, Tuesday, May 17.

Indonesia, continued Achmad, could not intervene in the refusal of entry issued by Singapore. Moreover, this kind of rejection is also common.

"In terms of Indonesian immigration, no problems were found in the immigration documents of the seven Indonesian citizens. The refusal to enter foreign nationals by the immigration authorities of a country is a common practice in maintaining the country's sovereignty," he explained.

Achmad explained, Ustaz Abdul Somad departed from Indonesia to Singapore with his family via TPI Batam Center by using the MV Brilliance of Majestic at around 12.50 WIB.

Upon arrival in Singapore, the ICA or the Singapore Immigration and Inspection Authority refused entry to the seven people. The reason is that they do not meet the requirements to visit the Lion Country.

"The seven people immediately returned to Indonesia at the first opportunity and arrived back at the Batam Center TPI at 18.10. The reasons and decisions for refusing the seven people were the full authority of the Singapore immigration authorities," said Achmad.

As previously reported, Ustaz Abdul Somad said he was refused entry to Singapore by the Singapore Immigration Officer through Tanah Merah Port on Monday, May 16, 2022. He said this on Ustaz Abdul Somad's YouTube channel, Hai Guys, on Tuesday, May 17.

"I left for Singapore on Monday afternoon from Batam on May 16, 2022, arriving at Tanah Merah (Singapore) Port at around 1.30 (noon) Indonesian time. In the context of a holiday, my friend happens to be near his house from Singapore, "he said.

Apart from him, all the entourage that came with him could pass through immigration and cross to Singapore. UAS was the last person to check all the files, but he was not allowed to continue his journey.

"All files complete. Travel cards, cards to come and go, all complete, nothing lacking. After arriving at the immigration stamp, he didn't have a stamp because he just scanned the passport, after that it was a thumbprint," he said.

"When I was about to go out, my best friend came out, his wife was there, his son was, the ustazah was, my son was, I was the last one. As soon as I wanted to go out, then the bag was pulled in," explained UAS, telling the story of the incident.