A 25-year-old Blackwood man has been freed from an Indonesian prison six months after he was incarcerated because his visa ran out.
Mathew Davies will fly back home to his family today, February 12, following his release.
Hi mother, Yvonne, 53, told the BBC: “I’m very pleased he’s coming home. It will be really nice to get to see him and give him a nice big hug.”
Mr Davies was imprisoned under immigration law after an IT job he secured overseas fell through.
The computer worker was given a six month prison sentence for visa irregularities, and was housed in the notorious Cipinang prison in Jakarta.
South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle wrote to the UK’s Ambassador to Indonesia in a bid to secure Mr Davies’ release.
He said: “I’m delighted that Matthew is finally home with his family after such a long ordeal. I campaigned for his release because I did not believe the visa infringements warranted such punishment. He should never have been jailed.
“However, the problems Matthew endured do highlight the need for all people living and visiting abroad to take care and ensure they comply with local laws.”