South Kalimantan Bans Foreign Workers From Entering Even Though Not PPKM Level 4

Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of South Kalimantan Tejo Harwanto/ANTARA

BANJARMASIN - The province of South Kalimantan (Kalsel) prohibits foreign workers (TKA) from entering, even though this province does not apply PPKM level 4 as is the case in Java and Bali.

"Even though the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Kalimantan is not at PPKM Level IV, we must continue to apply the regulation," said Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of South Kalimantan Tejo Harwanto, in Banjarmasin quoted by Antara, Friday, July 23. .

Previously, the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkum HAM) Yasonna Laoly stated that the restrictions on foreign workers entering Indonesia were part of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 27 of 2021 concerning Restrictions on Foreigners Entering Indonesian Territory.

Based on Permenkumham Number 27 of 2021, all foreigners are prohibited from entering Indonesian territory during Emergency PPKM, except for the following five categories:

1. Foreigners holding diplomatic visas or service visas;

2. Foreigners holding diplomatic residence permits or official residence permits;

3. Foreigners holding limited stay permits or permanent residence permits;

4. Foreigners with health and humanitarian goals who have received recommendations from the ministry/institution that carries out the COVID-19 handling function;

5. The crew of the conveyance that comes with the conveyance.

Tejo explained that the policy applies conditionally, considering the situation and conditions that occur depending on the leniency of the COVID-19 emergency.

"Foreign workers who previously came as part of a national strategic project or for reasons of family union, can no longer enter Indonesia as stipulated in the latest regulations," he continued.

With the issuance of this new Permenkumham, it also replaces Permenkumham Number 26 of 2020 concerning Visas and Residence Permits in the Adaptation Period of New Habits.

The Minister of Law and Human Rights which prohibits foreign workers from entering Indonesia during PPKM Level 4 comes into effect on July 21, 2021 with a two-day transition period.

The reason for the ban on foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is the result of the absorption of people's aspirations. After evaluating the aspirations, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights will issue the latest policy.