The sun-drenched island of Bali, long a haven for remote workers and long-term tourists, is cracking down hard on visa violations in a significant policy shift. Indonesian immigration authorities are now actively pursuing and penalising those exploiting tourist visas for extended stays.
The target? Visitors misusing the Social-Cultural Visit Visa (B211A). This visa, intended for short social visits, is expressly not for work or business activities. Yet, many foreign nationals have been using it as a loophole to live in Bali for months on end, often while working remotely for companies abroad.
Raids, Fines, and Immediate Deportation
The enforcement is far from passive. Officials are conducting surprise raids in popular expat and digital nomad hubs like Canggu and Ubud. Those caught flouting the rules face severe consequences:
- Hefty Fines: Violators can be fined up to 25 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately £1,250).
- Immediate Deportation: Offenders are swiftly escorted from the country.
- Re-entry Bans: Deported individuals can be barred from re-entering Indonesia for a period of six months or more.
Official Warnings and the Right Visa
Silly Afandi, an official from the Directorate General of Immigration, has issued a stern warning, urging tourists to 'comply with the visa provisions' and use the correct permit for their intended activities. The message is clear: the era of informal long-term stays is over.
For those wishing to work or stay longer legally, Indonesia offers other visa options, such as the specific Second Home Visa or various work-related permits. The government's move aims to protect its immigration laws and ensure all residents contribute appropriately, whether through taxes or tourism revenue.
What This Means for Future Travel
This crackdown represents a pivotal moment for Bali's tourism industry. Prospective visitors must now carefully review their travel plans and ensure their visa aligns perfectly with their activities. Assuming you can work remotely on a tourist visa is a risky gamble that could end in a costly and disruptive deportation.
The dream of a Balinese long-term working holiday remains possible, but it now comes with a non-negotiable requirement: doing it by the book.
