Indonesian immigration officers have increased direct inspections of foreign tourists walking around Bali as part of a broader effort to prevent visa overstays and illegal employment activities on the island. Recent footage shows uniformed officers in protective vests approaching and questioning foreigners during routine checks.
According to officials, these inspections are part of a coordinated initiative to curb violations committed by foreign nationals visiting or staying in Bali. Authorities state that the process is designed to ensure compliance with visa regulations while strengthening immigration oversight in areas with high tourist activity.
“We’re on routine patrol and we want to check your passport and your stay permit,” an officer can be heard telling a group of travellers.
Inspections Extend to Businesses Employing Foreign Workers
In addition to approaching tourists on the streets, immigration officials have also been inspecting various businesses across the island. These checks include visits to motorcycle rental agencies, nightclubs, and beauty salons. Officers are verifying whether the foreign workers employed at these establishments possess the required visas for their activities in Indonesia.
Authorities report that this move aims to detect individuals who may be working illegally without the appropriate documentation. By expanding inspections beyond public areas to commercial establishments, the task force seeks to identify both individual and employer compliance with existing regulations.
“The establishment of this Immigration Patrol Task Force is a follow-up from President [Prabowo Subianto]’s direction to ensure stability and security in Bali as one of Indonesia’s main tourist destinations,” the Indonesian Minister for Immigration, Agus Andrianto, said when the task force was launched back in August.
Visa Overstay Penalties Remain Strict
Indonesian law imposes significant penalties on foreign nationals who exceed their permitted length of stay. Tourists who overstay for fewer than 60 days are generally fined 1 million rupiah (approximately 92 Australian dollars) for each additional day they remain in the country.
For those who stay beyond sixty days, the consequences are considerably more severe. These violations can lead to higher financial penalties as well as legal measures such as detention, deportation, and placement on a blacklist that prohibits reentry into Indonesia.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
Immigration authorities indicate that inspections will continue as part of the broader initiative to uphold immigration regulations in Bali. Officers are expected to maintain their presence in both tourism hotspots and commercial areas that employ foreign workers.
The task force will remain active as officials monitor compliance levels and assess the effectiveness of the enforcement strategy. Further updates are anticipated as authorities continue implementing the current measures.
