Bali Immigration Detains Four Foreigners in Canggu Over Stay Permit Violations
Indonesia's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office detained four foreigners—an Egyptian man, two Russian men, and a Nigerian woman—during a joint operation in Canggu, Bali. Three were suspected of misusing their stay permits to work as DJs at a nightclub, while the woman had overstayed her visa by 402 days.
On the night of Thursday, September 24, Indonesia's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office conducted a joint operation in Canggu, Bali, together with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Military Police Detachment (Denpom), municipal police, and Denpasar police. The operation resulted in the detention of four foreign nationals suspected of stay permit violations.
Those detained include an Egyptian man (MSI) holding a Visa on Arrival (VOA), a Russian man (EZM) also holding a VOA, and another Russian man (AA) holding an investor Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS). All three are suspected of misusing their stay permits by working as DJs at a nightclub in Canggu.
The fourth individual, a Nigerian woman (PGA), was detained after it was discovered she had overstayed her visa by 402 days.
According to Ngurah Rai Immigration chief Muhammad Novyandri, all four are currently undergoing further examination of their stay permits and immigration documents at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to maintain immigration order in Bali. Novyandri stated that 'strict supervision is not merely about enforcement, but also ensuring every stay permit granted by the state is used for its intended purpose, creating a safe and orderly environment for residents and tourists in Bali.'
This follows a similar operation conducted on September 17 in Canggu, Seminyak, and Umalas, during which 13 foreigners—12 women and one man—were detained on suspicion of involvement in prostitution.
Things to Consider
Foreigners staying in Bali should verify the type of visa or stay permit they hold and confirm that their activities fall within its permitted scope. Working in any capacity—including as a DJ—on a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival is illegal; those earning income should switch to a proper work visa or KITAS. Regularly check your visa expiration date via your passport or apps like M-Paspor to avoid overstaying. Since joint immigration operations occur without advance notice, it is advisable to always carry your passport and relevant stay permit documents.
Source: ANTARA