Indonesia is preparing to review its visa-free policy for ASEAN citizens after a large-scale crackdown arrested many foreigners linked to online gambling networks and call center gangs in various parts of the country.
The Indonesian government revealed plans to review the visa-free policy for ASEAN nationals after discovering that foreigners entering Indonesia were involved in online gambling and online fraud gangs, known as "call center gangs," across multiple areas. This has raised concerns about growing cross-border security and crime issues in the region.
Indonesian officials disclosed on Wednesday that the measure follows the arrest of more than 500 suspects during operations at two major locations: Jakarta and Batam city in the Riau Islands province. Those apprehended included Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malaysian, Laotian, Myanmar, and Chinese nationals. Among them were several ASEAN citizens who entered Indonesia under a 30-day visa-free stay entitlement, while Chinese nationals are not part of the visa-free program.
Hendarsam Marantoko, Director General of Indonesia's Immigration Department, stated that the involvement of foreigners in criminal or illegal activities is a very serious concern, necessitating a reassessment of the current policy.
Investigations found that many suspects in the online gambling network arrested in Jakarta entered Indonesia via the visa exemption system or by obtaining a visa on arrival.
In recent weeks, Indonesia's immigration authorities have taken administrative actions in over 6,700 cases, including deporting more than 2,000 foreigners and revoking numerous residence permits.
Similarly, Thailand is reviewing its visa system to address criminals who infiltrate the country disguised as tourists.
Thailand's Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, revealed that one measure under consideration is reducing the visa-free stay for tourists from 93 countries from 60 days to 30 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to submit this proposal to the Cabinet next week.
The actions taken by Indonesia and Thailand reflect a growing trend among ASEAN countries to tighten immigration controls after facing challenges from online gambling networks, call center gangs, and cross-border cybercrime exploiting the region’s visa-free and free movement systems. Should visa restrictions expand across multiple countries, this may affect tourism, international travel, and foreign labor within ASEAN in the future.
Read more aboutInternational news