Authorities in the popular tourist destination of Bali have asked Indonesia’s immigration agency to revoke its visa-on-arrival policy for Russian and Ukrainian nationals after tourists were found to be working illegally on the Indonesian island, Reuters reported.
At least four Russian citizens have been deported this month for visa violations. Immigration officials have repeatedly warned foreigners on the island of Bali that it is illegal to work there if they arrived on tourist visas.
Russian citizens are among the largest groups of foreigners in Indonesia, according to official tourism figures in the country.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced that he has asked Indonesia’s Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to tighten visa requirements by canceling visas on arrival, specifically for Russian and Ukrainian citizens, due to “a number of violations”.
“Because they are at war, they flock to Bali. Among them there are those who seek a comfortable experience or come to work here,” said the governor of Bali, according to a post on the immigration agency’s Instagram account. (Instagram).
Vajan Koster adds that these two countries (Russia and Ukraine – note ed.) stand out because the violations committed by their citizens are “more serious” compared to those for which other foreigners are responsible.
Indonesia allows citizens of some countries to apply for a visa on arrival, while other foreigners must apply for a visa before leaving for the Asian country, Reuters noted.
More than 77,500 Russians have arrived in Indonesia between September 2022 and January 2023 amid the easing of restrictions against the spread of the coronavirus.
During the same period, the Southeast Asian country was visited by 8,800 Ukrainians. /BTA, Plamen Penchev/
