Bali’s Immigration Sweep: A Comprehensive Check on Foreigners and Businesses

Bali, a renowned tourist destination, has witnessed a significant influx of foreign residents. This demographic shift has necessitated a complex and evolving immigration framework. As the island’s foreign visitors surged in 2023-2024, the Indonesian government responded by intensifying immigration enforcement measures. The goal is to strictly adhere to visa regulations and address concerns such as illegal immigration and overstaying.

What’s going on?

Bali is currently experiencing a comprehensive immigration and business inspection that is casting a wide net. Authorities are not only targeting individuals working illegally but also conducting thorough checks on businesses across various sectors. From construction companies to schools and hospitality establishments, the sweep aims to ensure strict compliance with various regulations and licenses.

Examples of the checks being conducted include verifying building construction permits (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung or PBG), ensuring that company directors’ positions are up-to-date, and checking whether employees have the necessary work KITAS.  In addition, authorities are closely monitoring the types of visas used for events. For example, a visa intended for Art and Culture Performances cannot be used to work as a DJ, as this would violate visa regulations.

Beyond these specific areas, inspections are covering a wide range of business activities. Bars and restaurants are being checked for alcohol licenses, and schools are inspected for proper educational permits, among others.

Why is this happening?

As the number of visitors to the island increases, so too does the number of visa violations. To address this issue, authorities are conducting a sweep to identify and apprehend individuals who are violating immigration laws. The goal is to ensure compliance with visa regulations, protect legitimate businesses, and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

Recent news reports have highlighted a variety of visa violations, including illegal employment, failure to report a change of address, and the establishment of fraudulent companies.

Latest Immigration Cases in Bali

• Canadian Consultant Deported for Establishing Fictitious Company: A 53-year-old Canadian citizen who entered Bali on a tourist visa in 2020 and later applied for an investor KITAS by establishing a design, retail, and photography company was deported for violating immigration laws. The company was found to be non-existent at the registered address, and the individual had changed their residence without notifying immigration authorities. Resource (in Indonesian): Kantor Imigrasi Bali usir WNA asal Kanada dirikan perusahaan fiktif – ANTARA News Bali
• Foreign Citizens Deported for Involvement in Pornography: Several foreign citizens holding investor KITAS have been deported for their involvement in the production of pornography, which is illegal in Indonesia.
• Spaniard Denied Entry for Unpaid Accommodation: A 37-year-old Spaniard was denied entry at Ngurah Rai Airport due to a history of failing to pay for accommodation and meals during previous visits to Bali. The individual was detained after being reported for not paying their bills at five restaurants and one lodging. Resource (in Indonesian): Imigrasi Bali tolak masuk warga Spanyol karena tak bayar akomodasi – ANTARA News Bali

Who is the target?

The immigration inspection in Bali is targeting a wide range of individuals and businesses, including foreign workers, tourists, and companies operating in various sectors. By focusing on these key groups, authorities hope to prevent illegal activities and ensure that Bali remains a safe and welcoming destination for visitors and residents alike.

Target Groups:

• Foreign Workers: Individuals employed in Bali on work permits, including those in the tourism, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
• Tourists: Visitors who have entered Bali on tourist visas but may be engaging in activities that violate visa regulations, such as working illegally or overstaying their permitted duration.
• Businesses: Companies operating in Bali, including hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and service providers, are being inspected to ensure compliance with immigration and business laws.

Areas of Focus

Visa and KITAS Usage:

• Checking the expiration dates of passports and visas, ensuring that they are valid for the duration of the stay.
• Ensuring that foreigners use visas and KITAS for their intended purposes.

KITAS holders, please ensure that your physical residential address matches the address listed on your KITAS. If you have changed your passport, don’t forget to transfer your KITAS from the old passport to the new one (!)our physical residential address matches the address listed on your KITAS. If you have changed your passport, don’t forget to transfer your KITAS from the old passport to the new one (!)

Employment Contracts and Work Permits:

• Verifying the authenticity of work permits and ensuring that they align with the employee’s job duties.
• Reviewing employment contracts to ensure they adhere to Indonesian labor laws and that foreign workers are being paid the minimum wage.
• Ensuring that the company director secures valid work permits (Work KITAS) for all foreign employees of the company

Business Licenses:

• Inspecting business licenses, permits, and registrations to confirm that they are current and in compliance with local regulations.
• Hospitality: Verification of alcohol licenses for bars and restaurants.
• Events: Checking the appropriateness of visas used for event performers.
• Education: Inspection of school licenses and compliance with educational regulations.

Other aspects:

• Construction: Verification building construction permits (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung or PBG)
• Company Management: Compliance of the activities of foreign employees, including foreign founders of the company, with the duties specified in their KITAS
• Resources: Inspection of water licenses for well drilling.
• And more.

What should I do?

The areas of focus mentioned in the previous section are just examples. The actual inspection may cover a wider range of topics. As foreign visitors and businesses in Bali, it’s crucial to be prepared for potential fines and deportation. Businesses may face consequences ranging from fines to business closure if they are found to be non-compliant.

Given the comprehensive nature of these inspections, it’s essential for businesses and individuals in Bali to carefully review their documentation. If you have any doubts about the validity of your visas, permits, or licenses, seeking professional advice is strongly recommended.

Whether or not you established your business in Bali with the help of experts, we recommend reviewing your documents and licenses to ensure they are complete and up-to-date. Remember that regulations and requirements can change over time.

Our team specializes in immigration and business compliance matters and can provide tailored guidance to help you navigate this challenging period.