Bali Immigration Nets 66 Problematic Foreign Nationals in One Week

The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration in Bali has examined 66 foreign nationals from 27 countries who were caught in a week-long surveillance operation related to suspected immigration violations as well as security and public order disturbances.

Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said in Denpasar on Tuesday that the dozens of foreign nationals were caught in the Dharma Dewata patrol across several areas of Bali.

Of the 66 foreign nationals examined, 24 are suspected of misusing residence permits and 20 of overstaying their residence permits, while the other 22 were caught in connection with security and public order disturbances.

“Digital-based surveillance has proven effective in detecting potential violations more quickly and accurately,” she said.

The operation was carried out in the working areas of immigration offices covering, among others, the Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, Singaraja, Tabanan and Klungkung areas.

Officers also visited business operators and accommodation managers to provide education on the obligation to report the presence of foreigners through the Foreigner Reporting Application (APOA).

Sengky said the 66 foreign nationals are still undergoing examination to determine further action according to the type of violation each committed.

For immigration violations, administrative measures including deportation may be applied if the examination results meet the applicable provisions.

“In every operation, I emphasise that all personnel work professionally and avoid abuse of authority, carry out surveillance humanely, yet remain firm and measured in accordance with the applicable legal corridor,” she said.

She cited as an example the Instagram account of Ngurah Rai Immigration @imngurahrai with WhatsApp number 081236956667.

There is also Denpasar Immigration via @imigrasidenpasar with WhatsApp number 081246183838, as well as Singaraja Immigration via @singaraja_imigrasi with WhatsApp number 0811389809.

The working area of Ngurah Rai Immigration covers Kuta, North Kuta and South Kuta sub-districts, while Denpasar Immigration covers part of Badung Regency, as well as Gianyar and Bangli.

Meanwhile, Singaraja Immigration oversees Buleleng, Jembrana and Karangasem regencies, in addition to the new offices in Tabanan and Klungkung.