Tourists could spend up to 20 years in a Bali prison cell if they’re found to have overstayed their visas or breached immigration laws under harsh new laws.
The Indonesian Department of Immigration has launched Operation Jagratara – a major crackdown on visitors breaching conditions of their visas, and breaking broader laws in general.
Crimes that would have seen tourists jailed for six months to a year will now be punishable by ten years, or a maximum of 20 years.
The move serves as a warning to those travelling to Indonesia who break the rules, with 400 people deported this year alone for breaching a string of immigration laws.
The new crackdown won’t impact visitors to Bali who apply for temporary visas on arrival and leave within 30 days, or extend their visa to leave within 60 days.
Some foreigners have been in the past found to have violated their visas and overstayed their welcome by months and even years.
About 125 officers have been deployed across Bali as part of Operation Jagratara, with 20 patrol Jeeps and 20 patrol motorcycles also being rolled out.
Highly trained immigration officers will also be able to carry firearms while on the job, the Bali Sun reported.
Tourists could spend up to 20 years in a Bali prison cell if they’re found to have overstayed their visas or breached immigration laws, under new harsh measures (pictured at Kuta Beach)
About 125 officers have been deployed across Bali as part of Operation Jagratara, with 20 patrol Jeeps and 20 patrol motorcycles also being rolled out (stock image)
‘High work risks also lurk for immigration officers who guard the country’s borders, especially in conflict-prone areas,’ Directorate General of Immigration for Indonesia Silmy Karim said.
‘Officers often secure dangerous transnational criminals, so the use of firearms is needed as self-protection and to ensure officers can catch the perpetrators.’
More immigration checkpoints will also be set up as part of the crackdown.
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