Bali Immigration Raids: Are You at Risk?
Indonesian immigration authorities have initiated extensive raids targeting foreigners who violate visa regulations. Here’s who is currently at risk:
Foreigners with Expired Visas: Anyone staying in Bali beyond their visa's expiration date.
Illegal Workers: This includes photographers, models, trainers, and others providing services without a proper work visa. A Freelancer KITAS allows many of these professions to work legally in Indonesia.
Business Owners: Running your own company on an investor visa is risky. Remember, under an investor visa, even tasks like cleaning your restaurant must be done by local staff or those with a work KITAS.
Remote Freelancers: Working for foreign companies while in Indonesia. Although there’s no specific law against, for example, designing a website for a client in Russia, this can draw suspicion. Locals might report you to immigration, and proving your work situation could become complicated. We recommend not working in public spaces and avoiding discussions about your remote work with locals. If you plan to stay in Bali long-term, consider obtaining a Digital Nomad KITAS.
How to Protect Yourself?
Check your visa’s expiration date and renew it promptly if it’s near its end.
Avoid posting advertisements in chats and social media. There have been cases where foreigners were deported simply for posting a massage in a Facebook group looking for villa roommates.
Stick to your visa’s purpose: If you are on a tourist visa, make sure you present yourself as a tourist.
Comply with local laws: Avoid any prohibited activities in Indonesia if you don’t have the appropriate visa or permit.
If you want to live and work here legally, contact us, and we’ll help you secure the right visa.
