A 39-year-old man from Switzerland has been deported from Bali after immigration authorities accused him of illegally raising funds for stray dogs while on a tourist visa.
“[The foreign national] was apprehended on 20 May 2025 due to his involvement in unauthorized fundraising activities for stray dogs, which had stirred public concern,” said Haryo Sakti, head of the Denpasar Immigration Office, in a statement issued Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
Entered on Tourist Visa
Authorities said the man had been staying in Bali on a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which allows foreigners to visit Indonesia for tourism purposes only.
The man reportedly organized fundraising efforts that gained traction on social media, prompting complaints from local residents.
“During questioning by our Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement Division, [the foreign national] admitted to entering the country on a tourist visa and carrying out fundraising without registering a legal entity in Indonesia,” Haryo said.
Limited Scope of Investigation
While the campaign’s visibility online triggered concerns, authorities said they did not obtain direct evidence of the funds collected. The deportation was based solely on the man’s admission.
“There are suspicions that some of the funds may have been used for personal purposes. However, we have not found evidence of this. The case was not investigated further in that direction because it remains a public complaint and an allegation,” Haryo added.
The man was deported to Zurich on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, on a flight that departed Bali at 00.35 WITA. Immigration officials have also recommended that he be blacklisted from re-entering Indonesia.
Visa Rules and Enforcement
Although the fundraising appeared to be in support of a charitable cause, Indonesian immigration law prohibits foreign tourists from conducting any work-related or fundraising activities without appropriate legal status or permits. Violations—regardless of intent—can lead to deportation.
