The Aceh Manpower Agency has deported 51 Chinese citizens who were found to be working at a construction company in Aceh Besar regency without the necessary documents.

Aceh Manpower Agency oversight division head Putut Rananggono said the Chinese workers had been working at PT Lafarge Cement Indonesia since last year and were discovered on Tuesday, when the agency conducted an inspection of the work site.

“When we conducted the inspection, they were working at a power plant,” he said on Saturday, as quoted by Antara.

The workers were employed by PT Shandong Licun Power Plant Technology, a third party that was hired by Lafarge.

The workers left Aceh through Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM) Airport in Aceh Besar.

“They have all been deported from Jakarta via SIM Airport, two people yesterday [Friday] and the other 49 today [Saturday],” Putut said.

Lafarge confirmed that the 51 Chinese citizens had been working at the company. Lafarge spokesperson Faraby Azwani said the company would work to obtain the necessary employment permits for the workers.

“This will be done by PT Shandong Licin Power Plant. They will coordinate with the Aceh Manpower Agency and other related parties,” Faraby said. (kmt/evi)