Inp.polri.go.id - Tangerang.  The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport City Sub-regional Police prevented the departure of 10 illegal Hajj pilgrims attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia using work visas. 

The group, originating from Banjarmasin, was intercepted before boarding a Malindo Air flight to Malaysia on 15 April 2025.

“Theyintended to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, but they used work visas,” said Airport Police Chief Senior Superintendent Ronald Sipayung on Friday (18/4/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The joint operation involved airport police, immigration officers, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. 

Suspicion arose when immigration officers noticed the group’s uniform luggage, mimicking that of legitimate Hajj travelers—despite Hajj and Umrah flights currently being suspended ahead of the pilgrimage season.

The 10 people, including a travel agent from agency KBG, admitted paying Rp100–200 million each for the trip. Authorities are now conducting further investigations into the illegal travel arrangement. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)