Over the past three weeks, news of foreigners being deported from Bali has dominated headlines in the worldwide travel media. Still, statistics reveal that over 300 foreign nationals have been refused admission to the island over the same time.
Sugito, the head of the immigration office at Ngurah Rai Bali, disclosed to reporters that between January and mid-May this year, 302 foreign nationals had their access to the Island of the Gods denied.
Sugito says, “The top ten (302) foreigners are from Australia, India, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, England, Fiji, France, Germany, and Venezuela.”
These diverse groups of foreigners who refused admission to Indonesia had equally various reasons for denying entry.
Many individuals who had been denied entry to Bali, according to Sugito, “do not have valid travel documents.” Then, although some people have fraudulent immigration documents or visas, others—even those exempt from the special requirement—do not have the right kind of visa.
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Despite online rumours to the contrary, immigrants in Bali are still required by law to check the following documents of foreign nationals: Covid-19 certificates (for those over 18 and not medically exempt), insurance documents, customs declarations, return flights, and onward travel arrangements.
The documents should be prepared to be provided to officials at any time, even if the foreigners are not asked to do so when they land in Indonesia. If this is not done, admission into Indonesia may be refused or delayed, and legal action may be taken in some situations.
Simple grammar or spelling mistakes on visa applications may prevent access to Indonesia. Foreigners are advised to be cautious when completing visa applications and customs declarations.
Sugito added that incorrect data given by tourists while applying for visas was one of the most frequent reasons why visitors were denied access to Bali. He also disclosed that some visitors had been turned away because of contagious disorders threatening the general public’s health.
Sugito also informed the media that some of the 302 foreign tourists, who were refused entrance had Interpol wanted flags on them at the airport.
Sugito remarked, “There are also individuals engaged in both transnational organised crime and transnational organised crime. They are on the list of individuals from one nation who are sought for arrest.”
According to the head of Ngurah Rai Immigration, an individual from South Korea with the initials KH was sent away from Bali on Sunday, the 14th of May.
Sugito was able to declare the arrest of KH (45) who Interpol had listed as sought for “Acts of violence against women.”
Interested in this topic? Check out our other articles from Social Expat:
- Interpol Fugitive From Canada Arrested in Canggu Bali
- Ukrainian Man Deported Over Working as Spa Therapist Without Permit
