DENPASAR, BALINEWSID.COM – The Indonesian government, through the Directorate General of Immigration, has intensified surveillance on foreign nationals operating in Bali, particularly influencers, content creators, and digital workers using tourist visas for commercial activities.

Authorities have now declared promotional and business-related activities conducted under visitor or tourist visas as illegal. The restrictions cover professional services such as makeup artists and photographers, commercial promotions including product endorsements, and business-oriented social media content creation.

Immigration officials also warned that activities resembling employment and generating economic benefits may still be considered violations, even when no direct payment is involved.

The stricter enforcement has been in place since April 2026 following the establishment of the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force. The special task force has actively monitored tourist hotspots and social media platforms in popular areas such as Canggu and Ubud.

Within the first three weeks of operations, authorities reportedly detained 62 foreign nationals during raids targeting illegal work activities disguised as tourism.

In a statement posted on the official Instagram account of Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, officials stressed that immigration violations are not judged solely based on whether someone receives payment.

“What is assessed is not only whether a person is paid or not, but also their purpose of stay, the nature of the activity, and its economic impact,” the statement said.

Immigration authorities highlighted several activities that could potentially violate visa regulations, including professional services such as makeup artistry and photography, commercial endorsements, and social media content containing promotional elements for businesses.

Even unpaid activities may still be categorized as illegal if they provide economic value or function as business promotion.

The Directorate General of Immigration also shared a case study involving a foreign national who entered Indonesia using a visitor visa and offered free makeup services for social media content production. Although no payment was received, the resulting content was used as a portfolio and promotional material, giving it economic value.

“Even without direct payment, such activities may still be considered economically beneficial and potentially violate the terms of the visa used,” the statement explained.

Authorities further emphasized that payment of Bali’s foreign tourist levy does not grant tourists the right to work while staying on the island.

Foreign content creators and remote workers intending to produce promotional content or collaborate with local businesses are now required to obtain the appropriate permits, including work visas or the E33G Remote Worker Visa before entering Indonesia.

Immigration officials reiterated that Indonesian law obliges all foreign nationals to use visas and stay permits in accordance with their actual purpose of visit. Violations can result in penalties ranging from fines and deportation to long-term or even lifetime bans from re-entering Indonesia.

The regulation refers to Article 122(a) of Indonesia’s Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning misuse of visas and residence permits.

With the implementation of these stricter measures, the Indonesian government is signaling the end of its previously lenient approach toward foreign nationals conducting economic activities in Bali. Compliance with visa regulations is now considered mandatory for anyone seeking to work or engage in commercial activities on the Island of the Gods. (*)