BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG — Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, in collaboration with the Bali Regional Directorate General of Immigration Office and the Bali Regional Police, detained 13 foreign nationals during a joint operation targeting suspected prostitution-related immigration violations in Umalas, Seminyak, and Canggu on Thursday night (September 17, 2026). 18/9/2026.

The 13 foreign nationals are currently undergoing further examination at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office to verify their identities, travel documents, and initial statements, as well as investigate potential immigration and criminal violations.

The operation began at 5 p.m. local time following information received from the public. Officers conducted field investigations, information gathering, undercover operations, and verification through online platforms.

Foreign Nationals Detained in Three Areas

In Canggu, officers found a Russian woman identified by the initials IP at a villa. She was suspected of misusing her Remote Worker residence permit to engage in prostitution activities through bookings made via WhatsApp.

Further investigation led officers to an apartment, where they detained a Ukrainian man identified as OG, who was suspected of facilitating the alleged activities.

Immigration records showed that IP held a valid Remote Worker residence permit until November 8, 2026. Meanwhile, OG’s Investor Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) had expired on October 14, 2025.

In Seminyak, the joint team investigated an online platform allegedly used to promote prostitution services before conducting surveillance at a villa on Jalan Bidadari.

The operation resulted in the detention of three Nigerian women identified by the initials JFP, ECM, and HOU. All three held internship-program visit permits that had expired, with reported overstays of 58, 94, and 134 days, respectively.

In Umalas, officers conducted an investigation based on information obtained through Telegram and carried out surveillance at a villa. Four foreign women were detained, comprising three Russian nationals identified as DK, AG, and KS, and one Kazakhstani national identified as AS.

During a subsequent operation in the same area, officers detained four additional Nigerian women identified as HBO, MOL, GO, and TE. They were suspected of misusing their residence permits through a similar method.

Possible Deportation and Five-Year Entry Ban

Ngurah Rai Immigration Office Head Muhamad Novyandri said the operation was conducted after public information was followed up through field investigations.

“The 13 foreign nationals are currently undergoing further examination for suspected violations of Article 75 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, as well as potential criminal offenses,” Novyandri said.

He added that those found to have violated immigration regulations could face strict sanctions, including deportation and a five-year entry ban, or criminal legal proceedings in accordance with applicable regulations.

Bali Regional Director General of Immigration Office Head Ramdhani emphasized that the enforcement action was part of the immigration authorities’ commitment to maintaining security and public order while respecting local laws and sociocultural values.

“We fully support Bali’s tourism industry, but we will not provide space for foreign nationals who misuse their residence permits, violate the law, or damage the image of Bali’s tourism,” Ramdhani said.

Immigration authorities stated that supervision of foreign nationals would continue to be strengthened through cooperation with the police and the public, in line with the direction of Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko to provide quality services, strengthen oversight, and ensure fair law enforcement.

The 13 foreign nationals remain under examination. The allegations and any potential criminal involvement must be established through the applicable legal process.