Russian and Ukrainian Nationals Deported from Bali for Working Outside Visa Permit Scope
A Ukrainian woman and a Russian man working as hair stylists at a salon in Tibubeneng, Badung, have been deported from Bali after immigration authorities found they were working outside the scope of their residence permits. The Russian man was also working as a freelance DJ. Both have been proposed for a five-year entry ban.
Bali's regional immigration office (Imigrasi Bali) announced the deportation of a Ukrainian woman (28, initials TR) and a Russian man (30, initials IB) after finding both had been working in violation of the terms of their residence permits.
TR held a Remote Worker limited stay permit (ITAS), nominally registered as an "Independent Beauty Partner" for an overseas cosmetics company, but was found to be working as a hair stylist at a salon in the Tibubeneng area of Badung Regency.
IB, who held an Employment-based ITAS, was found to have no actual working relationship or job responsibilities with the company sponsoring his permit. Instead, he was working as a freelance DJ at several entertainment venues across Bali, and had also worked as a hair stylist at the same salon as TR for roughly three months.
The violations came to light following a community report, which prompted a joint monitoring operation by Bali Immigration and the Bali Provincial Manpower Office. Immigration office head Ramdhani stressed that holding a valid residence permit does not mean a foreign national is free to work outside the purpose for which the permit was granted.
Both individuals were subjected to Immigration Administrative Action (TAK) under Article 75, paragraphs (1) and (2) of Indonesia's 2011 Immigration Law, and were deported via Ngurah Rai International Airport on November 10, 2026. Both have also been proposed for inclusion on a five-year entry ban list.
The immigration office reiterated that while it welcomes foreigners who contribute positively to tourism and the economy, all activities by foreign nationals in Indonesia must comply with applicable law, and that monitoring of foreign residents in Bali will continue to be strengthened through field operations, inter-agency coordination, and follow-up on public reports.
Things to Consider
Remote Worker visas (ITAS Remote Worker) are strictly for remote work on behalf of an overseas employer and do not permit direct paid work at local businesses such as salons, bars, or event venues in Bali. Employment-based ITAS holders must also ensure their actual job duties match what was declared by their sponsoring company. Anyone considering side jobs or freelance work (e.g., DJing, styling) should verify in advance with immigration authorities or a licensed visa agent whether such activity is permitted under their current visa category, as violations can result in deportation and a five-year entry ban.
Source: BaliNews.id