Australian National Deported from Bali for Misusing Visa as Meditation Instructor
An Australian citizen, identified by the initials PJ, aged 55, has been deported by the Singaraja Immigration Office after allegedly misusing his visit permit. The man is suspected of working as a meditation instructor and organising a yoga retreat in Buleleng Regency, Bali. PJ has been repatriated to Australia after being secured by immigration officers. In addition to deportation, he has been proposed for a blacklist entry, preventing him from re-entering Indonesia for a specified period.
Head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra, stated that PJ allegedly served as a meditation instructor for a ‘7 Day Inner Growth’ activity and organised a yoga retreat held at Villa Boreh, Tejakula District, Buleleng, from 27 July to 2 August 2026. Investigations revealed that PJ entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA) valid until 24 August 2026. However, the visa was allegedly used inappropriately.
‘The examination results show that the individual entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA) valid until 24 August 2026. This visa is only intended for specific visits and cannot be used for work or activities inconsistent with the purpose of the visa grant,’ Agung said in a written statement on Wednesday (6/8/2026). For the alleged violation, PJ was subjected to Immigration Administrative Action in the form of deportation and proposed for a blacklist entry based on Article 75 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 122 letter a of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.
Agung stressed that all foreign nationals must use visas according to their intended purpose. Immigration authorities will take firm action against any violation of immigration regulations. ‘Supervision of foreigners will continue to be enhanced. Every foreign national must use a visa and residence permit in accordance with the purpose of their arrival. We will take action against any violation in accordance with applicable regulations,’ he asserted. Immigration officials emphasised that this action aligns with the directive of the Director General of Immigration, who has zero tolerance for foreign nationals misusing residence permits in Indonesia. The Singaraja Immigration Office also confirmed it will tighten supervision of foreign nationals’ activities in the Buleleng, Karangasem, and Jembrana regions. The public is urged to report any suspected immigration violations immediately so they can be followed up.