Indonesia to stop visas on arrival for Iranians
Jakarta concerned that visitors from the Islamic Republic are engaged in drug trafficking, not tourism
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JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia will stop issuing visas on arrival to Iranians because a growing number of them have been smuggling drugs or are passing through Indonesia before seeking asylum in Australia.
Immigration office spokesman Maryoto Hadi said Friday that many Iranians do not come to Indonesia for tourism and that their activities have overwhelmed the government.
He said Amir Syamsuddin, justice and human rights minister, signed a decree on Thursday revoking the visa on arrival option for Iranians that has been in place since 2005. The new restrictions start August 20.
Indonesia has become a major transit point for people fleeing their home countries. Many risk their lives on rickety boats en route to Australia’s Christmas Island, 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Indonesia’s capital.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
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