Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Immigration authorities in Bali have deported two Chinese nationals for violating their visa terms by illegally working as dive instructors on the island. The deportation was carried out by the Singaraja Immigration Office, which found the individuals engaging in activities not permitted under their visas.
Hendra Setiawan, head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, identified the two foreign nationals by their initials, CJ and AM. According to Setiawan, the individuals were caught illegally operating as dive guides or instructors without proper work permits.
“This time, the Singaraja Immigration Office has deported two Chinese nationals for allegedly working illegally as dive guides or instructors,” Setiawan said in a written statement on Tuesday (February 11), as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Illegal Activity
The case was uncovered when immigration officers conducted an outreach program about the Foreigner Reporting Application (APOA) at hotels in Karangasem Regency, Bali. During the information dissemination, officers noticed suspicious activities among a group of tourists who had just completed a diving session.
Immigration officials observed the situation and conducted an initial document inspection of the two individuals. “Suspecting visa violations, we summoned them for further questioning at the Singaraja Immigration Office,” Setiawan added.
Following a thorough investigation, authorities determined that CJ and AM were only holding Visit Stay Permits (ITK). Records showed that CJ entered Indonesia on November 26, 2024, while AM arrived on December 21, 2024. Their visas were valid until March 24, 2025, and June 18, 2025, respectively.
“During their stay in Indonesia, they admitted to working as diving guides at a local diving center,” Setiawan explained.
Deportation
The two individuals were subjected to immigration administrative sanctions, including deportation and a ban on re-entry, under Article 75, Paragraph 1, in conjunction with Article 122(a) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. Their deportation was carried out via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
“This action is a concrete step in enforcing immigration laws within our jurisdiction. We will take firm action against any foreign nationals who violate the law,” Setiawan emphasized.
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The presence of foreign tourists illegally working as guides for other visitors has been a growing concern for Bali’s immigration authorities, particularly at Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, which has been closely monitoring such activities.
Bali immigration authorities remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that all foreign nationals comply with their visa regulations while in Indonesia.
(Raidi/Agung)
