Indonesian Foreign Ministry Assists Pilgrims with Non-Hajj Visas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assisted 24 Indonesian citizens who had legal problems in Saudi Arabia due to the use of fake Hajj visas or Syakhsiyah visas (visiting visas).

"The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Jeddah has provided assistance to the 24 Indonesians who had legal problems related to the use of fake visas," the Ministry's director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (WNI) and Indonesian Legal Entities (PWNI and BHI), Judha Nugraha, told Tempo in a brief message on Saturday, June 1.

As previously reported, Saudi Arabia arrested 2 Indonesian citizens who were brokers for fake Hajj visas. They were arrested along with 22 prospective Hajj pilgrims. In this incident, 2 were named as suspects, and 22 would be deported.

"Based on the latest information, 22 Indonesian citizens will be released and deported back home. Meanwhile, the 2 coordinators are undergoing legal proceedings," he explained.

Judha said the Indonesian Consulate General, or KJRI, is in the process of helping arrange exit permits for the repatriation of the 22 people to Indonesia.

"KJRI will also assist 2 Indonesians who are undergoing legal proceedings to ensure their full rights in the Saudi court," he said.

When asked if the 2 suspects have a Hajj and Umrah travel agency, Judha said that he had yet to confirm it. The two suspects are men aged 23 and 32 years old from Lampung and Banten.

"The Foreign Ministry once again calls on people to abide by the law in Saudi Arabia and ensure that the Hajj must use a Hajj visa," he said.

Desty Luthfiani

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