Immigration teams in Bali have been very busy indeed in the last two weeks.
Teams have accompanied an assorted group of foreigners to their deportation flights from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to return to their home nations.
The deportations come as Bali continues to crack down on foreigners abusing the visa system.
The speed at which foreigners are deported from Bali after investigation by the authorities varies greatly.
If the individuals in question have sufficient funds to pay for their own flight out of Denpasar, they are encouraged to book a flight as soon as possible.
In many cases, however, the individuals do not have sufficient funds and are held in the custody of immigration officials at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center until consular or financial support can be secured.
This month’s deportations have included foreigners who have been found to be overstaying their visas, stealing food and drinks and not paying for accommodation, and breaking the conditions of the visa category by working and gambling, which is illegal in Indonesia.
On 5th and 9th September, two Russian women were deported from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after the pair had been found to be operating illegal business activities in Seminyak.
Police raided a property in the Seminyak area where the duo were found to be engaging in sex work and operating ‘spa’ services.
On the 9th of September, another Russian national, a man known to the press by his initials DG, was reported for causing public disorder at a restaurant in Jimbaran.
The Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, Gede Dudy Duwita, said that these deportations emphasized the firm approach Bali is taking to immigration offenses of every kind.
All three have been put forward to the top national immigration officials to be added to Indonesia’s deterrence list, also referred to as the blacklist.
On the 10th of September, a Chinese national, 34-year-old LG, and a Tanzanian national, 26-year-old AIK, were deported to their respective registered addresses.
Both individuals were found to have been overstaying their visas on arrival.
LG arrived at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in May 2024 and had a 30-day validity tourist visa on arrival, which he did not extend.
During the investigation into his case, LG revealed that he had come to Indonesia on the promise of a job by a friend.
However, he overstayed his visa 72 days after the said friend left him without a job and without funds to support himself.
AIK was also detained by Bali Immigration teams back in May. She was apprehended by officials after a public complaint was lodged against her for antisocial behavior.
Immigration teams subsequently found that she had overstayed her visa and was unable to present travel documents during the investigation.
On Thursday, the 19th of September, an Australian woman was deported from Bali after immigration teams found that she had overstayed her visa by 71 days.
Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, Gede Dudy Duwita, told reporters, “CNL was deported to her hometown accompanied by her friend from Australia. This woman was proven to have violated Article 78 paragraph (3) of Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.”
CNL is believed to have overstayed her visa as a result of a stay at Buleleng Regional Hospital, where she was receiving treatment in August.
However, Duwita revealed that ‘no party took responsibility for her’ and that she did not have a passport when she entered the hospital, so no staff could assist with an extension on medical grounds.
Duwita added, “This was made worse by the lack of clarity regarding the payment of medical expenses and CNL’s actions, which caused a commotion at the hospital. As a result, the Buleleng Regional Hospital objected to CNL’s presence at the hospital.”
Further deportations this month have included travelers from Spain, France, Nigeria, Russia, and Tanzania.
Duitwa concluded, “We want to emphasize that Indonesia is a country that upholds the rule of law, and anyone who violates it will face the appropriate consequences. Deportation is our effort to maintain order and security in the territory of Indonesia.”
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.