Authorities at Ngurah Rai Immigration Office are investigating two Polish nationals suspected of illegally working as tour guides in Bali, an activity prohibited for foreigners without the appropriate work permit.
The individuals, 39 and 30 years old, were apprehended on 7 February at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Immigration officers spotted them in the departure terminal’s drop-off zone, dressed in black-and-white uniforms and carrying a red sign associated with a foreign travel agency while accompanying a group of tourists.
According to Ngurah Rai Immigration Chief Winarko, the two foreigners entered Indonesia on 4 January 2025 using a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which remains valid. However, if found without the necessary work permit, a VOA alone does not permit its holders to work or earn income in Indonesia.
“We are currently conducting further examinations. If any immigration violations are found, we will take action in accordance with applicable regulations,” Winarko stated on 11 February.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign nationals engaging in unauthorized work in Bali.
Immigration authorities report that from 1 January to 10 February 2025, they have issued 90 administrative immigration actions. The surge in tourist arrivals, which reached 6,33 million in 2024, has added to the challenge of monitoring compliance with visa regulations.
Winarko reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining oversight: “We will continue monitoring the activities of foreign nationals to ensure Bali’s tourism environment remains stable.”
