Bali Immigration Teams Tighten Enforcement on Tourist Visa Conditions
Foreigners in Bali who are breaking the law by working illegally under tourist visas are facing increased scrutiny from immigration officials. Recent arrests serve as stark warnings to those considering operating outside the boundaries set by their visa permits.
Polish Tour Guides Arrested for Illegal Activities
Two Polish nationals, known by their initials RS and MT, were arrested by Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement officers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on February 7, 2025. They were suspected of working as illegal tour guides, wearing uniforms and carrying clipboards.
The Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Winarko, stated, “If violations of immigration law are proven, appropriate actions will be taken.” RS and MT entered Bali on tourist visas on January 4, 2025, which had been extended.
Increased Administrative Actions in Ngurah Rai
Between January 1 and February 10, 2025, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office issued 90 administrative immigration actions. Winarko emphasized, “We are dedicated to monitoring foreign nationals to maintain a conducive tourism environment in Bali.”
Chinese Nationals Deported for Illegal Activities
In another instance, the Singaraja Immigration Office arrested two Chinese nationals, CJ and AM, for allegedly working illegally as diving instructors in Karangasem Regency. They were stopped during document checks.
Hendra Setiawan, the Head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, explained, “Due to the misuse of immigration residence permits, these foreign nationals were summoned for further information.” CJ and AM were issued socio-cultural tourist visas to visit Indonesia in November 2024, set to expire in March and June 2025.
CJ and AM faced deportation and administrative detention due to engaging in unauthorized activities permitted by their visa conditions, according to Indonesia’s Immigration Law Number 6 of 2011.
The men were deported via China Southern Airlines on February 10, 2025, with CJ flying to Guangzhou and AM to Shenzen.
