Indonesia Deports Four Nigerians, a Russian over Visa Violations

DENPASAR, KOMPAS.com - The Law and Human Rights Ministry's Bali regional office deported four Nigerian nationals and a Russian citizen.

Speaking during a press conference here Sunday, March 12, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said that the four Nigerians were caught for overstaying after their visas had expired. The Russian citizen was facing deportation over misuse of his stay permit by opening a tennis course business in Bali.

The four Nigerians were arrested on March 7 when the Ngurah Rai immigration land patrol team along with the Foreigner Surveillance Team (Timpora) conducted a raid.

Meanwhile, the Russian, identified by the initials as IZ, was arrested on March 3 by the immigration land patrol team's intelligence and enforcement division.

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The intelligence obtained information regarding a foreigner offering a tennis course at a sports center in North Kuta, and based on its investigation, IZ was found to be a tennis coach there, which is violating his visa.

Governor Koster stressed the need for strict action against foreigners, who violate the legal norms in Indonesia.

"This is a warning to all tourists visiting Bali to respect Balinese culture and the laws that apply in Indonesia," he said.

Koster said that tourists visiting Bali should use the services of a travel agent and should no longer rent a motorbike while traveling in Bali.

He also called on the public to actively report to the authorities if they find any tourists violating the rules in Bali.

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"Whatever the form [of the violation is] and other bad practices, especially those that insult state institutions, Balinese culture, and the Balinese people, can immediately be reported to the Chief of Bali Police, head of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's regional office in Bali, the tourism office, and the Bali Public Order Agency," Koster said.

Earlier last week Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno urged foreign tourists to comply with all laws, regulations, and existing norms while on vacation in Indonesia.

"We are very open to foreign tourists but they must comply with all laws, regulations, and all existing norms in Indonesia," he said during the weekly briefing at the ministry building.

Source: State News Antara