Chinese National Deported from Bali for Working as Project Supervisor on Tourist Visa
The Denpasar Class I Immigration Office deported a Chinese national (initials JZ) via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on September 7, 2026, after he was found working as a project supervisor at a construction site in Bali while holding only a tourist visa.
On Monday, September 7, 2026, the Denpasar Class I Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I TPI Denpasar) apprehended and deported a Chinese national, identified only by the initials JZ, who had been working as a project supervisor at a construction site in Bali while holding a tourist visa. The deportation was carried out through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Tourist visas issued by Indonesia are intended for purposes such as sightseeing, visiting family, or short-term business meetings, and do not permit employment activities. In this case, the individual was found to be engaged in supervisory work at a construction project despite holding a visa issued solely for tourism purposes, which led immigration authorities to take enforcement action and carry out the deportation.
Indonesian immigration authorities have been intensifying enforcement against foreigners who work while holding tourist visas or visa-on-arrival (VOA) status in Bali, as unauthorized employment by foreign nationals remains a priority area for monitoring and crackdowns.
Things to Consider
Foreign nationals staying in Indonesia on a tourist visa or VOA should not engage in any form of work activity, including supervisory or managerial roles at construction sites or other paid work. Those planning to work in Bali must obtain the appropriate work-related visa in advance, such as a KITAS (limited stay permit with work authorization) or a Visa 212 (work visa). If uncertain about visa categories, consult the official immigration website or a licensed immigration consultant rather than assuming tourist visa activities can be broadly interpreted to include work.
Source: KOMPAS.com