Three foreign nationals have been deported from Bali after being caught working on the island while in violation of their tourist visa conditions. The individuals, from India, Singapore, and China, were found to be engaged in employment activities not permitted by their entry permits.
The Indian and Singaporean men, identified by the initials ARG and RN, were reportedly operating yoga classes at a villa in Buleleng Regency. The Chinese citizen, identified as ST, was found installing production machinery at a factory in Karangasem Regency and allegedly providing operational training.
Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra, head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, stated that stay permits designated for tourism cannot be used for work or other activities inconsistent with the visa's purpose. He emphasized that all foreign nationals in Indonesia are required to comply with applicable immigration regulations and that increased supervision will continue.
The 48-year-old Indian man and 34-year-old Chinese man were on Visas on Arrival (VOAs), while the 44-year-old Singaporean man entered under the Visit Visa-Free (BVK) facility. All three have since been deported to their home countries and black-listed from re-entering Indonesia.
This action follows recent adjustments to Indonesian visa regulations, which now require individuals posting content for cash or perks to secure a working visa before entering the country. Breaches of tourist visa conditions can result in fines, deportation, or a lifetime ban from Indonesia. Immigration officials are encouraging the public to report any suspected visa violations by foreigners.
Bali remains a popular destination, with approximately 1.5 million Australians visiting the island annually. Authorities are reinforcing the message that engaging in work, research, or volunteer activities on a tourist visa is illegal.
