The abuse and misuse of visas by foreigners in Bali is one of the most frequent immigration issues we report on here at The Bali Sun.
While Indonesia is an incredibly welcoming and friendly country, the immigration system is no joke and is to be treated with the utmost respect. Foreigners found violating the conditions of their visas in Bali are quickly shown the door.
Immigration is a serious situation in Indonesia, anywhere in the world, in fact. Being able to travel and live internationally is a privilege, and while in many ways travel has become easier and more accessible than ever in the last decade, that doesn’t mean that any of us can come and go as we please.
In Bali, the issue of foreigners abusing their visa conditions has become particularly prevalent in the last few years. There have been increasing concerns that both the tourist and socio-cultural visa categories, as well as the pre-investment visa categories, have been abused by foreigners who have been working or operating businesses illegally in the province.
This situation was exemplified this weekend when Immigration deported a Swiss national for conducting income-generating work without the correct work permit.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, 9th February, the Head of Ngurah Rai Immigration Public Relations, Husnan, explained that officers followed up on a tip-off called through to the Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement call centre. He shared, “We received a public complaint alleging that a foreigner recruited a foreign surfing coach and was directly involved in the management of a surfing training center.”
A follow-up investigation found that the man, known by his initials TBW, was actively involved in the day-to-day management of Soleai Surf Camp in the Canggu area, including recruiting foreign surf coaches. These activities violated the conditions of his stay permit.
Husan explained, “The person concerned misused his residence permit by actively participating in the management of Soleai Surf Camp and recruiting surfing coaches, as well as using an inappropriate residence permit.” He revealed that TBW was residing in Indonesia on a KITAS Remote Worker. This type of permit does not permit direct involvement in the operations and management of a business in Indonesia.
Husan confirmed that TBW was boarded his deportation flight on Saturday, 7th February, and that a travel ban has been issued to him.
He confirmed, “The person concerned will be subject to a five-year travel ban, which can be extended once for a total of ten years.”
Tourists traveling to Bali who are entering the country on a tourist eVisa on Arrival and who are conducting travel and leisure-based activities in Bali have nothing to worry about. Neither does anyone who is abiding by the conditions of their visa and stay permit.
All foreigners in Bali must be aware that the Bali Immigration Tourism Task Force conducts regular patrols of top tourist resort areas and conducts spot checks that include checks on travel and identity documents and questioning about an individual’s activities in the province.
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Bali Governor Wayan Koster spoke to reporters last week and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all foreigners in Bali abide by immigration law. He cited the ongoing issues with foreigners overstaying visas, working on visitor visas, and those who engage in criminal activity.
Governor Koster shared, “The role of immigration is crucial, as Bali is the most visited by foreign tourists. Oversight must be consistent to ensure that the presence of foreigners truly benefits and doesn’t cause problems.”
He confirmed, “Immigration in Bali still employs around 100 task force personnel to monitor foreigners, and these personnel are spread across various areas that are centers of foreign national activity.”
Foreigners planning on visiting Bali, or anywhere in Indonesia, can use the helpful visa questionnaire on the Official Indonesian eVisa website to estimate which visa is most suitable for their upcoming trip or long-term relocation.
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