Issues with Immigration, Embassy and Previous Company.

[Illuminasi]

With respect my friend...this is too important for emailing...you need to make an appointment with someone in the UK Embassy who has discretion. UK taxpayers pay for this service...demand it!
I'd focus on simply getting your passport, or an explanation from RI Immigration to UK Embassy, as that is of immediate concern.

Your other issue with your ex-employer, and an EPO, concerns Indonesia...they are separate and you may be on your own there.

Thanks Davita. I appreciate your straight talking. I've visited the embassy twice over the past month, both times got sent away for not having an appointment. 3rd time I called to make one and I got to see someone but he just gave me his email and said we'll conduct this through there from this point. I've requested to speak with someone higher in a position to help me but they said no one is available. There's also nothing on the website that has advice or contacts on this problem. The person that I spoke with face to face did tell me I should have used the money I had to hire a lawyer. Going back to the embassy, in my opinion, is useless. I'll end up seeing the same person and being sent away with the same solution. I've just contacted them again and requested someone to be present with me and my wife on Monday when we're at Immigration.

 

[Illuminasi]

Threat, extortion bribery ?

Police, immigration and your embassy should be going nuts.

Forget emails, contact the consular or ambassador, not some flunky.

Thanks William. Is there a way I can get direct to a consular or ambassador? Or even someone higher than the person I'm currently in contact with? I'm going to take my friends advice and turn this post into a video and share it and ask others to do the same. Maybe some social media exposure will garner attention.

 

[Anglian]

It beats me, they have built this huge Embassy and it's harder to get into than Fort Knox, it's an absolute disgrace, that a British Citizen is being fucked about and they will do nothing to help him, he needs Embassy help

 

[Davita]

I've had 3 occasions to demand action from Embassies/Consulates.

Once, when I was offered Retiree Immigration to Canada but, after I'd done everything to immigrate (buying a house, furniture, cars, etc.) except I was waiting 'till my birthday to be the required age, the Gov't canceled the Retiree Program.
I had no success with Canada gov't until demanding to see the Ambassador in London. This was rejected so I hired Canadian lawyers to effectively sue the Canadian gov't. That got their attention and I was quickly offered another Immigration status...I've now been a Canadian citizen for some 25 years.

Second, when I helped an Indonesian wife whose US citizen children (not dual) were abandoned by their US deadbeat dad. The USA Consul in Vancouver didn't want to know until I caused such a ruckus by delivering the two boys (I'd warned the boys I would do this) to their office and left saying "They're your responsibility as their mum is being deported to Indonesia!"
I was quickly called back. A senior Immigration officer took us to a private room and phoned the deadbeat dad in the States....and the problem was resolved. The family is together in Texas and I get Xmas cards from the boys...now in their teens.

Third was Passport Control in Vancouver denying to replace my 1 year unexpired passport so I could get Kitas/P in Indonesia which requires 18 months validity. I demanded to see the supervisor, but ignored, so I made lots of noise to get attention and was applauded by the audience waiting in line...they were also fed up with slow service.
I showed the RI website to indicate their requirement and a new passport was issued.

The moral to this is...if civil servants aren't civil nor give service...demand it. Ensure use of respectful language and attitude, be focused, concise and erudite.

 

[dafluff]

Embassy staff around the world are by far and large the laziest public servants there are. Probably because they do not have the (minimal) supervision or responsibility like they would at home.

Based on your situation I agree with Davita. Your case is SERIOUS, probably as serious a case that an embassy sees, so I would go in there and not leave until you get to talk to someone who can resolve the issue. Higher level embassy officials actually have a lot of leeway in what they can approve, and a new passport should be nothing to them. Ignore any local staff...they are useless and powerless.

 

[El_Goretto]

Reading again about your problem with being investigated due to having lost your passport twice in 3 years, this is typically where your embassy can jump in because that's the minimum they can do: in case of investigation, they can at the very least issue a letter of recommendation saying that they are aware of your lost passport, that you've made every effort to recover it, reported it to the police and that you legitimately need a new passport for the well-being and unity of your family. Like Dafluff said, this would be absolutely nothing to them.

I would avoid making big waves with the immigration office for now. It seems that you now have a contact there willing to help you but he won't be able to do anything until you actually have a passport. The obvious, most simple and most realistic solution is for you to get a new passport. Surely, someone at the Embassy can see this?

Maybe it is a problem with your approach. I apologize if you've already tried this. If you expect your embassy to put pressure on immigration or the police or the agent, it is not going to happen. But if you come up to them with the solution of declaring your passport as lost/stolen (which it is), and asking the Embassy to give you some kind of assurance that you can get a new passport so that you can legalize your situation in Indonesia and ensure that you remain united with your family, the Embassy might be more willing to help. This would be solution well within their capabilities.

 

[Anglian]

Well I'm sure the embassy could inform immigration about his passport and could they assist him, a new passport costs about£107 this includes send/return cost as the passport office is in the U.K. It takes one month to process

 

[Illuminasi]

It beats me, they have built this huge Embassy and it's harder to get into than Fort Knox, it's an absolute disgrace, that a British Citizen is being fucked about and they will do nothing to help him, he needs Embassy help

Anglian, thank you for understanding the fustration I'm also feeling. After this reply post I'll be adding another post with something to show just how useless the embassy have been.

I've had 3 occasions to demand action from Embassies/Consulates.


Once, when I was offered Retiree Immigration to Canada but, after I'd done everything to immigrate (buying a house, furniture, cars, etc.) except I was waiting 'till my birthday to be the required age, the Gov't canceled the Retiree Program.
I had no success with Canada gov't until demanding to see the Ambassador in London. This was rejected so I hired Canadian lawyers to effectively sue the Canadian gov't. That got their attention and I was quickly offered another Immigration status...I've now been a Canadian citizen for some 25 years.


Second, when I helped an Indonesian wife whose US citizen children (not dual) were abandoned by their US deadbeat dad. The USA Consul in Vancouver didn't want to know until I caused such a ruckus by delivering the two boys (I'd warned the boys I would do this) to their office and left saying "They're your responsibility as their mum is being deported to Indonesia!"
I was quickly called back. A senior Immigration officer took us to a private room and phoned the deadbeat dad in the States....and the problem was resolved. The family is together in Texas and I get Xmas cards from the boys...now in their teens.


Third was Passport Control in Vancouver denying to replace my 1 year unexpired passport so I could get Kitas/P in Indonesia which requires 18 months validity. I demanded to see the supervisor, but ignored, so I made lots of noise to get attention and was applauded by the audience waiting in line...they were also fed up with slow service.
I showed the RI website to indicate their requirement and a new passport was issued.


The moral to this is...if civil servants aren't civil nor give service...demand it. Ensure use of respectful language and attitude, be focused, concise and erudite.

Those are horrific stories. That tells me this will be the first of many issues I'm going to have with these assclowns. But I get what you're saying, if I want to be heard I have to make some noise. Thanks for that Davita.

Embassy staff around the world are by far and large the laziest public servants there are. Probably because they do not have the (minimal) supervision or responsibility like they would at home.


Based on your situation I agree with Davita. Your case is SERIOUS, probably as serious a case that an embassy sees, so I would go in there and not leave until you get to talk to someone who can resolve the issue. Higher level embassy officials actually have a lot of leeway in what they can approve, and a new passport should be nothing to them. Ignore any local staff...they are useless and powerless.

I've requested to see and speak with a British person, to talk about a new passport process and what the hell they should be doing to help. I even went as far as to call the UK and ask why this is going on. The UK seemed to be the only people concerned and said (as was stated previously) No one, apart from the person whom the passport is assigned to, is allowed to withold it, even a president or it is seen as theft from the queen and an act of aggression toward that nation. That doesn't seem to translate over here.

Reading again about your problem with being investigated due to having lost your passport twice in 3 years, this is typically where your embassy can jump in because that's the minimum they can do: in case of investigation, they can at the very least issue a letter of recommendation saying that they are aware of your lost passport, that you've made every effort to recover it, reported it to the police and that you legitimately need a new passport for the well-being and unity of your family. Like Dafluff said, this would be absolutely nothing to them.


I would avoid making big waves with the immigration office for now. It seems that you now have a contact there willing to help you but he won't be able to do anything until you actually have a passport. The obvious, most simple and most realistic solution is for you to get a new passport. Surely, someone at the Embassy can see this?


Maybe it is a problem with your approach. I apologize if you've already tried this. If you expect your embassy to put pressure on immigration or the police or the agent, it is not going to happen. But if you come up to them with the solution of declaring your passport as lost/stolen (which it is), and asking the Embassy to give you some kind of assurance that you can get a new passport so that you can legalize your situation in Indonesia and ensure that you remain united with your family, the Embassy might be more willing to help. This would be solution well within their capabilities.

I haven't tried that yet but I will go get another police statement and a statement from the immigration today and try to use that at the embassy as a way to apply for a new passport. Thanks for the advice Goretto.

Well I'm sure the embassy could inform immigration about his passport and could they assist him, a new passport costs about£107 this includes send/return cost as the passport office is in the U.K. It takes one month to process

You would think so, see the next post and why today I decided to share this with you guys.

 

[Illuminasi]

Hey guys. Today I have a meeting with Immigration as I told you before. I'll be meeting the officer that has recently been helping me and also someone higher up and plea my story to him and see what they can help with. Because of the help from you guys I'll also request documentation and evidence of my visit and the passport theft.

I've attached something for you guys to see. This is a couple of emails between myself and the embassy. I've smudged out names but you will see from this evidence the point I've been making. No replies, not much help or advice, no form of priorities.

https://ibb.co/d0mtT5

 

[Anglian]

Well mate you seem to be doing your best all on your own, as the U.K. Office says nobody is allowed to with hold your passport, plus the fact the passport is still the property of the U.K. Government and not having mine to hand there is a write up about "let And Hinderance" I wish I could make a sensible suggestion, but having Been to our huge new embassy, it isn't visitor friendly, your emails tell the story someone should meet with you, so fingers crossed and someone wakes up

 

[ukcouple]

... but having Been to our huge new embassy, it isn't visitor friendly...

exactly.. we have a massive new embassy in the swankiest part of town which probably costs the British taxpayer a fortune.

God knows how many people work there.. and what exactly do they do all day.?

But if they can't even help out a Brit in distress what use are they exactly.?

 

[Anglian]

Well we know they don't help a Brit in distress

 

[Daniel50]

Any news on how this is going? Has the embassy started to help? Has Indonesian Immigration done anything to help?

 

[Illuminasi]

Hey everyone! How's it going? I thought I'd share some updates with you all on this situation.

I've been to Immigration in Kota Tua. I sat and discussed everything with them and they have actually been really great on the situation. Me and my wife gave interviews, they then called the agent lady in and interviewed her. They have been issuing me STK on a weekly basis so if anyone asks questions I have this official document to protect me. They have been waiting for the man (thief) responsible to come in and give his interview but thus far the coward has been hiding. He's moved 3 times in the past couple of months to Bangung, Depok and Bogor and each time Immigration tracked him and contacted him. They have now issued a legal warning that after 3x failure to appear they will involve and send the police to arrest him as he is showing intent to flee from the investigation. Thus far he's on his 2nd warning and suddenly he's having eye surgery/has to see the doctor/the stress has put him in hospital, just excuse after excuse really.

His wife recently contacted my wife and tried to bargain with her, she offered to hand the passport back if we promised to drop the case. My wife send screenshots of the conversation between her and the woman's husband where he would say thing's like "immigration can't touch me" "I dare you" "I'll make your life a problem if you try anything" "haha your threats are funy and meaningless" My wife then asked why suddenly they're asking to drop everything and she was pleading for my wife to think of her and her daughter, if the husband goes to prison then they don't have anyone. My wife just responded "You didn't think of me or my daughter when my husband would be deported and you were stealing our money" which I think is fair.

Anyway, after this last interview, the case will be handed to the head of immigration to do a full case review, if they find us innocent then everything will be in their hands to fix.

The embassy hasn't gotten involved or helped whatsoever. I'm disgusted in them. I've reached out several times. The last contacted I got was 17 days after I sent them an email where all it said was "Any updates?" I haven't replied since then.

The immigration deputy head did inform me that according to the law, if an employee fails to process an EPO and you're overdue then the lengh of time, regardless of sponsor expire date, the cost will go to them as the system will not change employment status unless EPO is processed by the person that did legal sponsorship. So this cost may also fall back on the previous company. (Just an FYI if anyone didn't know)

I'm going to escape to puncak for a few days during this holiday time. I really need a break. I've also been given permission to work and/or apply for work as they feel this issue will be solved soon.

Kota Tua immigration have been amazing. They deserve more praise than I could give them.

Anyway guys. There's an update. Safer, semi legal and less stress is always a good thing. Have a great weekend ahead. I'll reply regularly to comments again soon.

 

[William King]

Really great to hear....

 

[Anglian]

I don't know mate, I don't know how you haven't had a total melt down, but I was going to say best of British, but I'll just stick to good luck

 

[Davita]

I'd also like to add my compliments for your tenacity to see this through...it would have been so easy to give-up and let a bully win so I applaud your persistance.
Good luck....I was also going to add "British luck' but, like Anglian implies, that's probably not a very good salutation at this time...

 

[Smallworld]

Great post Iluminasi. Made me think have I done the right thing to apply for British citizenship?

 

[Anglian]

Great post Iluminasi. Made me think have I done the right thing to apply for British citizenship?

The political chaos in the U.K. At the moment I would consider Martian

 

[Illuminasi]

****Update****

Hello everyone. I'm sorry it's been a while.

I've successfully recovered my passport!!!! Well it wasn't easy as you all know. I was told the condition for the return of my passport was that I would not pursue any legal actions against the parties involved. I was escorted through the airport and deported last week. There was no overstay charge but there was a little under the table stuff needed to be done. 3 days in a $30/night cringy hotel and a budget of instant noodles gave me enough to return home....home (Jakarta) and be with my family again. I missed them. That was the first time in 3 years since the birth of my daughter I had been away from them. The heart strings were torn.

Anyway, I'm wondering what to do now. I expected after all this was over I'd return with a glad heart and we could rebuild our lives. It's been a week since we sorted everything but everything feels the same. It almost feels like "the damage has been done" This whole experience has had a huge stress on the lives of both me and my wife not to mention on our marriage. Will things return back to normal in time? Or has all of this past created a rift that might equal no future? I don't know. I can feel this rage for the person who did this too us and why it took Immigration over 7 months to fix it. They didn't even fix it themselves, the person that put us through this hell was in hospital and fearing for his life and decided to just give it back. That's the only reason it's over now. Yet, I still want to man the walls and attack him on every front but we've been told we can't. We have to just move on.

I think the next step is to fix a new kitas, try to convert it to kitap and keep trying to rekindle the flame we once had. One step at a time I guess.

But everything is okay now guys. Thank you all for following on this journey. I'll be replying regularly now so any questions or comments, fire away.

Peace.

Illuminasi.