A Russian man who resides in Kintamani was recently arrested for working as a photographer, authorities said, for misusing his investor visa, which grants individuals permission to stay in Indonesian for a period of time but does not give them the right to work.
The 28-year-old Moscow-born man, identified by police by his initials SZ, entered Indonesia via the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali using an investor visa on April 27.
SZ reportedly owns a firm that focuses on the restaurant and real estate sectors, but the company is currently inactive. In the meantime, SZ freelanced as a photographer and often promoted his services on social media.
Teddy Riandi, an official with the Denpasar Immigration Office, said SZ currently holds a stay permit, which is valid from Jan. 23 this year to Jan. 20, 2025, through his investor visa.
The permit does not entitle him to work in Indonesia.
“SZ was arrested at his residence that also serves as his company’s headquarters at The Kayuan, Jalan Culali, Desa Batur Selatan, Kintamani, Bangli,” Teddy said in a statement made available yesterday.
Immigration officers said they received a tip about SZ’s activities on Feb. 22.
SZ is set to be deported from Indonesia this evening.
The Head of the Immigration Department of the Bali Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Barron Ichsan, said that SZ was subject to administrative sanctions for breaking the law, as stated in Article 75 Chapter 1 of the Immigration Law.
Following the arrest, Barron called on Bali citizens to be more active in monitoring and reporting violations committed by foreigners on the island. Indeed, one Instagram account has been receiving plaudits for calling out allegedly undocumented workers in Bali, many of whom happen to be from Russia.
Barron also called upon all foreign nationals visiting Bali to always respect local laws and customs.
