The Indonesian government has tightened immigration oversight in Bali, targeting foreign nationals who conduct commercial activities while using tourist visas. Authorities said the measures focus particularly on influencers, content creators, digital workers, and foreign visitors involved in activities that generate economic value.
The Directorate General of Immigration stated that promotional work and business collaborations conducted under tourist visas are prohibited under current immigration regulations. The restriction applies regardless of whether direct payment is received.
Activities identified by immigration authorities include providing professional services such as makeup artistry and photography, creating promotional social media content, endorsing products or services, and participating in business collaborations.
Immigration authorities also stated that content creation activities linked to commercial promotion may fall under work-related activity if they generate economic benefit.
In an official statement published through the Directorate General of Immigration’s Instagram account, authorities explained that visa compliance assessments extend beyond financial transactions.
“What is assessed is not only whether someone is paid or not, but also the purpose of their visit, the type of activity, and its economic impact,” the statement said.
Officials emphasised that foreign nationals entering Indonesia must carry visas and stay permits that match the purpose of their visit.
Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Targets Violations in Tourist Areas
The stricter approach has been implemented since April 2026 through the formation of the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force.
The task force conducts patrols and social media monitoring in several tourism centres across Bali, including Canggu and Ubud. Authorities said the operation aims to identify foreign nationals suspected of undertaking work-related activities while holding tourist visas.
According to immigration data, authorities apprehended 62 foreign nationals during operations conducted between 15 April and 4 May 2026.
Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said immigration authorities would proceed with administrative measures if no criminal elements were found.
“If there are no criminal elements in the investigation, we will immediately deport them,” Felucia said, as quoted by Antara.
She added that authorities would coordinate with police if investigations identified criminal violations.
“Meanwhile, if criminal elements are found during the investigation of the foreign nationals, our office will coordinate with the police for further action,” she said.
Authorities stated that the 62 individuals were processed under Article 75 paragraph 1 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law, which applies to foreign nationals who engage in activities considered harmful to public security and order or who fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Authorities Highlight Economic Value as a Key Assessment Factor
Immigration officials stressed that unpaid work does not automatically exempt foreign nationals from immigration scrutiny.
As part of its public explanation, the Directorate General of Immigration presented an example involving a foreign national who entered Indonesia using a visitor visa and later provided complimentary makeup services for social media content.
Although no payment was received, immigration authorities stated that the resulting content functioned as promotional material and portfolio development.
“Even though no direct payment was received, this activity can still be considered to have economic value and potentially violates the provisions of the visa used,” the statement said.
Authorities also clarified that payment of Bali’s tourist levy does not grant visitors permission to work or conduct commercial activities on the island.
Foreign nationals intending to create promotional content, work remotely, or collaborate commercially with local businesses are required to secure an appropriate visa category before entering Indonesia, including work-related permits or the E33G Remote Worker visa.
Immigration officials reiterated that misuse of visas and stay permits may result in administrative and legal sanctions under Law Number 6 of 2011 Article 122(a) concerning Immigration.
