Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Returned 32 Indians Related To The COVID-19 Tsunami

Photo illustration (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - The TPI Soekarno-Hatta TPI class I immigration office repatriated 32 Indian citizens on Sunday, April 25. The repatriation was carried out in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India.

Immigration Information and Communication Technology (TIKIM) Head Sam Fernando revealed that 32 Indian nationals were repatriated on Sunday, April 25, 2021, using Emirates Airlines flight number EK359 at 00:40 WIB from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Dubai.

While waiting for the repatriation process, said Sam, 32 Indian citizens were at the special place for Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta international arrival with supervision by related parties involving airlines, aviation security, and the Port Health Quarantine (KKP).

"The refusal to enter 32 Indian citizens is an anticipatory step taken by Soekarno-Hatta Immigration to prevent the Imported Case of COVID-19", he said in a written statement received by VOI, Sunday, April 25.

Furthermore, Sam emphasized that Soekarno-Hatta Immigration measures were in line with the policies issued by the Directorate General of Immigration on April 23, 2021.

The content of the policy regulates the refusal of entry of foreigners who have a history of travel from Indian territory within 14 days before entering Indonesian territory as well as the suspension of granting visit visas and limited stay visas for Indian citizens.

"The policy to restrict the entry of travelers to Indonesian territory is temporary and will be further evaluated pending the development of the situation while still coordinating with the COVID-19 Task Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia", he explained.

Previously, on April 23, Soekarno-Hatta immigration refused to enter 32 Indian citizens who landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with the Emirates Airlines flight number EK356 from Dubai at 15:30 WIB. The refusal to enter was carried out considering the dynamics of the COVID-19 tsunami in the country.