The Class I Immigration Office (TPI) Ngurah Rai has detained a foreign national from Turkey, identified by the initials FA (male, 40), for alleged violations of Indonesia’s immigration regulations. FA was apprehended on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, by the office’s Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement Division (Inteldakim) at a guesthouse located in the Canggu area of North Kuta.
Following the arrest, FA was taken to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office for further questioning regarding his activities while staying in Bali. Officials stated that the investigation was initiated after indications of visa misuse were discovered through online monitoring.
Cyber Patrol Revealed Online Promotion of Hair Services
Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Winarko, explained that the case began when the Immigration Cyber Unit detected online activity suggesting that FA was offering paid hair styling services in Bali. The discovery was made during a routine cyber patrol aimed at identifying potential immigration violations conducted by foreign nationals.
“Our cyber unit detected suspicious activities carried out by FA, where the person concerned allegedly opened services as a hair stylist and marketed it through social media. After an in-depth investigation by the team, we found indications of immigration residence permit violations committed by the FA,” said Winarko.
According to Winarko, the evidence gathered indicated that FA was promoting himself as a hair stylist and providing haircut and hair treatment services to clients without proper authorization. This raised concerns about the misuse of his immigration permit under the terms of his stay permit.
Entered Bali on a Visa on Arrival
Immigration data showed that FA last entered Indonesia through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on February 9, 2025, using a Visa on Arrival (VOA). This visa type allows for short-term visits for tourism, business meetings, or social purposes, but does not permit employment or income-generating activities.
Authorities confirmed that using a VOA for any paid or professional activity is a violation of Indonesia’s immigration rules.
“We emphasize that the residence permit from VOA should not be used for work, and should only be used for the purposes of social, business, and vacation visits in accordance with applicable immigration regulations,” explained Winarko.
Services and Fees Offered in Violation of Visa Terms
Based on the investigation, FA admitted to providing hair styling services to both foreign nationals and residents to support his living expenses while in Bali. He charged between Rp 100,000 and Rp 600,000 for haircut services and between Rp 100,000 and Rp 5,000,000 for hair treatments, depending on the complexity and type of service provided.
The activities were considered to be in breach of the conditions attached to his Visa on Arrival, as he was earning income without the required work permit.
Ongoing Detention and Investigation
FA is currently being held in the Immigration Detention Room at Ngurah Rai while further investigation is underway. The immigration office is continuing to process the case to determine the appropriate legal and administrative measures in accordance with immigration law.
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office stated that cyber patrols and field inspections will continue to be conducted regularly to detect and prevent violations of visa and stay permit regulations by foreign nationals residing in Bali.
“We are committed to taking firm action against all forms of immigration violations committed by foreigners. We also appeal to all foreigners to carry out activities in accordance with their residence permits and always comply with applicable immigration regulations,” said Winarko.
