Immigration Crackdowns In Canggu Target Foreigners Working Illegally In Tourism Hotspot

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Indonesian Immigration is cracking down on foreigners working illegally in the country. With provinces like Bali welcoming the highest number of foreigners every year, Immigration officials hone in with a sharp focus on these areas.

This month, 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. 

Indonesian Immigration in Bali is targeting this problem from all angles. In the last week, officers have been focusing on foreign-owned businesses and businesses that employ foreigners in Bali.

Officers have taken a specific focus on the popular tourism resort of Canggu and highlighted venues in the area. 

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Immigration officials have spoken to reporters about allegations of illegal foreign workers (TKA) working at several nightclubs in the Canggu area.

The Badung Regency Government, through the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), is taking serious action to investigate business permits and any indications of violations. The Head of the Badung DPMPTSP, Made Surya Dharma, told reporters that supervision of foreign workers falls under the authority of the central government and the provincial Manpower Office. 

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He told reporters, “If there are indications of violations or not having official permits, of course, we will take firm action.”

Speaking separately, local politician Agung Bagus Tri Candra Arka gave his backing to the investigations and acknowledged that many nightlife venues in the Canggu area utilize foreign workers and that the legality of those workers must still be verified by the relevant authorities.

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Over the last couple of weeks, the Indonesian Immigration has been renewing communication efforts to ensure that all foreign visitors, living and working in the country, especially in places like Bali, are up to speed with immigration law.

For nearly a decade, Indonesia’s Immigration has been working to crack down on foreigners working illegally in the country, with a big focus on content creators, influencers, retreat hosts, coaches, consultants, and creative services providers. 

Many foreigners have tried to slip into what has been known as the ‘grey area’ of digital nomadism, but in fact, the law is very clear and increasingly well-publicized. What Indonesia Immigration is becoming more firm in articulating is that engaging in work-related activity can still violate a person’s stay permit, even if money is not exchanged. 

In a recent update, Indonesian Immigration explained, “Is unpaid activity always allowed?” The answer to which is “Not always. Immigration authorities may look at the purpose of stay, the type of activity, and whether there is economic value behind it.”

The department clarified,  “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.”

As the peak travel season gets underway in Bali, Indonesia, Immigration will be working around the clock to ensure that Bali remains a safe and welcoming place for all, and that all foreigners in the province honour the law of the land. 

Bali Immigration’s new Dharma Dewata Task Force will be conducting spot checks, surveillance, and patrols in the top tourist areas. The newly established unit is proving to be effective as after just a couple of weeks on the beat, the team successfully detected more than 60 foreign nationals breaking immigration law.

Whether you’re looking to travel to Indonesia, move to live in Indonesia, work or build a business in Indonesia, including in popular areas like Bali, foreigners can find all the information that is relevant tot heir specific situation on the Official Indonesian eVisa website, where there is also a live chat function available in English for those who have additional questions abut there visa and stay permit application.