Many foreigners choose to make Bali their temporary home, whether for a short vacation or a longer exploration. However, a recent incident reminds us that the Island of the Gods has its strict rules, especially regarding visas and stay permits. Some violations might lead to legal problems such as fines, deportation, and even being blacklisted.
A Cautionary Tale
Just this week, an Australian man named J (31) was deported from Bali for violating his visa. J was found to be promoting a spa business on Facebook, despite entering Indonesia on a tourist visa. From the investigation, it is known J has carried out the promotional activities since February 12, 2024 through Facebook and he entered Indonesia on 23 February 2024.
Immigration Office in Singaraja, Bali, detained J on 22 March. J was deported on 26 March, boarded a Jetstar airline with flight number JQ 36 to Melbourne, Australia. According to Head of Singaraja Immigration Office, Hendra Setiawan, J was deported because he was proven to have carried out business activities that were not in accordance with his tourist visa.
“The presence of foreign nationals should be beneficial for the local economy instead of harming it. For that reason, we hope the community can help us in monitoring foreign nationals in their area,” Hendra emphasized.
Fines, Deportation and Blacklisted
What happened to J is a clear example of how misusing a visa can lead to unexpected problems. Different types of visas serve different purposes. A tourist visa or Visa on Arrivals (VoA) only for sightseeing and leisure activities, not for business or working. Business visas are for attending meetings or conferences, not running a business nor earning income. Ensure your visa aligns with your intended activities.
Promoting a business or offering services, even for a close friend, can be considered work and violate your tourist visa. Breaking this rule will make you deal with immigration stern actions, including administrative fines and deportation.
Some serious violations lead to being blacklisted. You might even be detained while authorities investigate the situation. This can disrupt the whole travel plans and cause significant financial strain. Most importantly, it will leave a negative mark on your immigration record, making it difficult to visit Indonesia or other countries in the future.
Staying on the Right Side
Based on J’s cautionary tale, legal compliance is crucial for a stress-free stay in Indonesia. As foreign nationals, certainly following the regulations can be confusing. However, these tips below might help you.
1. Choose the right visa: Before your trip, understand the different visa options and pick the one that matches your intended purposes. Some research about the visa types and the requirements might benefit the whole visit.
2. Be clear on activities: Be honest about your specific activities when applying for your visa. If you plan to work, even remotely, obtain a proper work permit before starting.
3. Respect the validity period: Each type of visa has a time limit. Plan your trip accordingly and don’t risk overstaying your visa. Apply for extensions if necessary.
4. Consult with professional immigration services: For complicated visa situations or extended stays, consider consulting with professional immigration services. They can ensure you have the proper documentation and manage any complexities to avoid potential issues.
Valuable Resources
The case of J in Bali is a reminder that foreign visa regulations can sometimes be confusing. What seems like a harmless action, like promoting a friend’s business, might violate your visa type in Indonesia. Professional immigration services like Seven Stones Indonesia can be a valuable resource to avoid such situations.
We can assist you to understand the specific requirements for your situation, ensuring you have the proper documentation for a stress-free stay. Don’t let visa confusion put a damper on your adventure. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our email or Whatsapp number if you have questions about Indonesia’s immigration issues. Or just fill in our contact form and our team will get back to you shortly.
