World Immigration News

Immigration Thwarts Attempt by 23 Vietnamese Nationals to Illegally Transit to Australia

Release Date: 2025-07-28
Media: Jakarta Globe
Summary: Indonesian immigration authorities have detained 23 Vietnamese nationals in Ternate, North Maluku, suspected of using Indonesia as a transit point to reach Australia as part of a human trafficking operation. The group was found in a hotel and a rented house following a tip-off and joint surveillance with Central Sulawesi officials. They reportedly planned to travel via Ambon and then by sea to Australia.

Authorities confiscated passports, Indonesian visas, and phones. Some individuals had previously entered Indonesia irregularly through Batam. Officials believe they are victims of a Vietnamese-run trafficking network and plan to deport them, with Vietnamese authorities expected to pursue legal action. A re-entry ban will also be enforced to prevent further misuse of Indonesia for illegal migration.

Separately, 16 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Lombok, also believed to be part of a smuggling ring targeting Australia.
Tags: Indonesia

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