DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Bali Immigration has deported two foreign nationals from Ukraine and Russia after they were found working in jobs that violated the terms of their residence permits. One was employed as a hair stylist at a salon in Tibubeneng, Badung Regency, while the other worked as a freelance disc jockey (DJ) at several entertainment venues across Bali.
The two foreign nationals, identified by their initials as TR, a 28-year-old Ukrainian woman, and IB, a 30-year-old Russian man, were found to have misused their Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) by engaging in activities outside the scope of their authorized employment.
TR held a Remote Worker ITAS and was registered as an Independent Beauty Partner with an overseas cosmetics company. However, immigration officials found that she was working as a hair stylist at a salon in Tibubeneng, Badung.
Meanwhile, IB held an Employment ITAS but was found to have no employment relationship with, or perform any duties for, the company sponsoring his residence permit. Instead, he worked as a freelance DJ at several entertainment venues in Bali. He also worked as a hair stylist at the same salon as TR for approximately three months.
The violations were uncovered following a public tip-off, which prompted Bali Immigration to conduct a joint inspection with the Bali Provincial Manpower Office.
Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Ramdhani, stressed that holding a valid residence permit does not give foreign nationals the right to undertake employment outside the scope of their authorized activities.
"Every foreign national staying in Indonesia must comply with immigration regulations, including carrying out activities in accordance with the residence permit they hold. We will not tolerate the misuse of residence permits for employment that violates applicable laws and regulations," Ramdhani said.
He explained that a Remote Worker ITAS is intended for foreign nationals working remotely for overseas companies in accordance with applicable regulations. It does not authorize them to work directly for local businesses in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, holders of an Employment ITAS are required to carry out the work for which their residence permits were issued.
Following the findings, both foreign nationals were subjected to Immigration Administrative Measures under Article 75 paragraphs (1) and (2) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration.
They were deported on November 10, 2026, through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Immigration authorities have also proposed that both individuals be placed on Indonesia's entry blacklist for five years.
Ramdhani said Bali remained open to foreign tourists, investors, and professionals who contribute positively to the local economy and tourism sector. However, he emphasized that all foreign nationals must comply with Indonesian laws and regulations.
He also praised members of the public for reporting suspected immigration violations, noting that public participation and inter-agency cooperation play an important role in strengthening immigration oversight.
Bali Immigration said it would continue to intensify monitoring of foreign nationals through field operations, coordination with relevant agencies, and follow-ups on public reports.
The enforcement action forms part of the Directorate General of Immigration's commitment to ensuring professional, firm, proportionate, and fair immigration supervision while maintaining public order and protecting the interests of local communities.
