Indonesia Bali, Surge in Ukrainian and Russian Refugees... "Request to Suspend Visa Issuance"

Illegal Stay of Ukrainian and Russian Nationals Continues to Increase

The Bali authorities, a famous resort area in Indonesia, have requested the central government to suspend visa issuance for Ukrainians and Russians, whose recent influx has surged. This is because nationals of both countries entering on short-term tourist visas have been illegally overstaying, causing various crimes and social problems.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to CNN on the 19th (local time), the Bali authorities recently requested the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights to suspend the issuance of short-term tourist visas to Ukrainians and Russians. Since the start of the Ukraine war, nationals of both countries have flocked to Bali, causing various social issues, and local residents have reported significant damages, prompting a request for entry restrictions.

Until last year, about 58,000 Russians had entered Bali, and an additional 22,500 arrived in January this year. Approximately 7,000 Ukrainians entered Bali last year, with about 2,500 more arriving in January. Most of them are known to have entered on short-term tourist visas and are currently staying illegally. Indonesia allows tourist visas for up to 60 days after entry, and with no sanctions against Russia, many Russians have especially flocked to the area.

In particular, Indonesia’s short-term tourist visa, called a "visa on arrival," is popular because travelers can obtain it right before immigration inspection upon arrival at airports or seaports. Indonesia currently offers this visa issuance convenience to foreigners from 86 countries. If this visa issuance is suspended, travelers will have to visit embassies of each country before departure to apply for visas directly. The visa on arrival is valid for up to 60 days.

The Bali authorities are demanding that the central government strongly block the influx of men who have fled conscription from Ukraine and Russia and are staying illegally using this visa on arrival, some of whom are illegally employed and involved in crimes and deviant behavior.

The Ukrainian side claims that it is Russians who have committed illegal acts and is requesting the withdrawal of the measure. The Ukrainian Honorary Consulate in Bali told CNN, "As of February, about 8,500 Ukrainians are in Bali," emphasizing, "We reaffirm that we do not want Ukrainians visiting Bali to violate rules and regulations."