Indonesia is stepping up efforts to tackle illegal employment among foreign nationals in Bali. Foreigners who violate immigration laws by working and doing business without a proper valid visa will face deportation. The government’s monitoring efforts are now in full force.
Monitoring in Place
The Indonesian government is set to take a firm stance against foreign nationals working illegally in Bali. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno has announced a plan to deport foreigners who violate immigration laws.
“We are serious about enforcing the rules,” said Uno in Jakarta, 5 August 2024. “If they break the law, they will be deported according to the regulations. Our monitoring is in place.” Uno continued
To address the growing issue of foreign workers in Bali, the Bali Provincial Tourism Office has established a Tourism Governance Task Force. The task force, comprised of various stakeholders, will oversee tourism activities and prevent illegal work by foreigners.
The local government has also distributed Governor of Bali’s Circular No. 4 of 2023, outlining new regulations for foreign tourists. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, emphasized the importance of enforcing these rules without being overly harsh.
“The circular clearly states what foreign tourists can and cannot do,” said Pemayun. “We have distributed this information through various channels, including social media, online platforms, national and international media. We have also informed the Indonesian embassies abroad and foreign embassies in Jakarta and Bali.”
Harming Local Economy
The Indonesian government has implemented measures in response to widespread reports of foreign tourists working illegally in Bali on tourist visas. This action aims to protect the livelihoods and economic well-being of local residents.
Previously, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism also spoke out about the large number of foreign tourists running illegal businesses in Bali. Nia Niscaya, Senior Expert for the ministry, emphasized that any business activities conducted by foreigners must comply with regulations.
“Immigration will check the type of visa used. Of course, if it’s not a business visa, there are specific provisions for what kind of business is allowed. If using a tourist visa, it definitely violates the regulations,” said Nia in June 2024.
Illegal and unregistered business activities by foreign tourists can harm Bali’s economy and damage its reputation as a world-class destination. To protect the local community and ensure sustainable tourism, authorities have established task forces in tourist areas like Bali. These teams, consisting of immigration officers, local police, and government officials, are intensifying efforts to monitor and address these issues.
Benefits of Working Visa
A working visa in Indonesia is a legal document that validates your presence in the country and authorizes your employment. It is only ever issued for a specific position in a specifically identified company, which means you cannot work in several companies or in different positions at the same time.
Foreign workers who stay in Indonesia without a valid working permit are considered to be in violation of immigration law. Such violations can face legal proceedings, involving investigation and deportation. Beyond legal protection, working visa offers several other benefits:
* Employment authorization: Most employers require a working visa before hiring a foreign worker.
* Access to benefits: It grants access to various benefits and public services like insurance, healthcare and Indonesia’s bank account.
* Avoiding legal issues: Earning income without a proper valid visa is illegal and can lead to penalties, such as administrative sanction and fines, even deportation.
Match Your Purpose
This strict enforcement against illegal workers in Bali serves as a reminder for all foreigners to review their stay permits. Make sure you have the correct visa that matches your purpose in Indonesia.
Earning income without proper valid visa is a risky gamble that could lead to serious consequences. For detailed information about working visas in Indonesia, you can visit Seven Stones Indonesia’s blog page here.Â
With an experienced team that deeply understands immigration laws, Seven Stones Indonesia can streamline your working visa application. We make the process easier and save you valuable time. Don’t let the complexities of immigration procedures hinder your plan. Contact Seven Stones Indonesia today and make your working experience in Bali seamless and efficient.
