Bali Immigration Targets Foreigners Working On Tourist Visas

While this is not something most tourists need to be concerned about, with more and more people running content creation side hustles and even working while on vacation, it’s important that everyone is up to speed with the rules about work and visas. 

What Changed: Official Regulations & Decrees

In the last few days, Bali’s Singaraja Immigration Office deported three foreign nationals caught working using visit stay permits. The three deported foreigners were identified as AKG, 48, an Indian citizen; RN, 44, a Singaporean citizen; and ST, 34, a Chinese citizen.

Immigration officials have confirmed that, based on the investigation, AKG and RN were found to be running yoga classes at a villa in Buleleng Regency. The two are suspected of not only organizing the classes but also working as yoga instructors while staying in Bali on visitor visas, which prohibit work activities of any kind. 

The man known by his initials ST was found installing production machinery at a factory in Karangasem Regency in East Bali. In addition to installing the machinery, the Chinese national also provided training to company employees on how to operate the machinery.

Speaking to reporters following the deportations from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra, Head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, explained that the three foreign nationals entered Indonesia using visitor stay permits. 

He explained that AKG and ST used Visas on Arrival (VOAs), while RN entered under the Visit Visa-Free (BVK) facility. He clarified that VOAs and BVKs are only intended for visiting purposes, in accordance with Indonesian Immigration Law. These stay permits cannot be used for work or activities inconsistent with the purpose of the visa.

Who It Applies To & Verification Checkpoints

Putra noted, “Every foreign national in Indonesia is required to comply with applicable immigration regulations. We will continue to increase supervision of foreign nationals as a form of immigration law enforcement.” The three foreigners have been deported and blacklisted from entering Indonesia. 

In his closing comments to reporters, Putra emphasized that he will continue to strengthen monitoring of the presence and activities of foreign nationals through collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and the Foreign Nationals Monitoring Team.

He called on members of the public who know or suspect immigration violations by foreign nationals to file a report with Indonesian Immigration for officials to take follow-up action in accordance with applicable regulations.

Putra confirmed that this measure aligns with the Directorate General of Immigration’s policy of implementing strict oversight of foreigners. He concluded by noting that the government is providing convenience for tourists and investors, which is beneficial for Indonesia; however, firm action will be taken against foreign nationals who abuse immigration facilities or violate the law.

What is evident by these most recent deportations is that Bali Immigration has oversight across the province, not only in the top tourism resort ares. Bali Immigration is actively working to find violations in regions of the province where there is a lot of activity by foreign nationals, and in more rural areas too. By which we mean, there is nowhere to hide.

Digital Entry & Application Channels

This crackdown on foreigners working on tourist visas has been in effect for months now, and efforts show no sign of slowing down, especially as officers keep finding violations.

At this time, Bali Immigration has a specific focus on foreigners who are exploiting the so-called grey area of ‘unpaid activity’ where foreigners are technically breaking the conditions of their visa by engaging in work-related activities on tourist and socio-cultural stay permits.

Back in May 2026, Indonesian immigration confirmed once and for all, “Indonesian immigration law mandates that foreign nationals use their visa and stay permit in accordance with the intended purpose. Activities inconsistent with the granted visa may result in sanctions.” 

Adding  “Compliance is key. Unpaid activities do not automatically qualify as permissible. If there is work, service, promotion, or economic benefit involved, the activity must align with the visa and stay permit used.”

Foreigners traveling to Bali and other regions of Indonesia can visit the Official Indonesia eVisa website to establish which visa is the most appropriate for their upcoming visit to the country.

What Visitors Should Expect

Securing visas or tourism levy vouchers via official government portals prior to departure expedites arrival clearance at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Always verify entry conditions through accredited channels to avoid third-party markups and ensure compliance with provincial regulations. Complete immigration fee schedules, extension rules, and step-by-step application walkthroughs are detailed in our dedicated Indonesia Visa & Entry Guide.