Bali wants to crack down on Russians and Ukrainians

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Since the start of the war, more than 70,000 Russians and about 10,000 Ukrainians have traveled to Indonesia’s tourist paradise of Bali. Now the local authorities are fed up: they are calling for an early end to Indonesia’s visa policy for Ukrainians and Russians – other foreigners should be able to continue to apply for a visa upon arrival.

Authorities cite a number of alleged incidents of misconduct and several examples of foreigners overstaying their visas working illegally as hairdressers, unauthorized tour guides and taxi drivers, according to CNN. Many Ukrainians on the island are appalled by this move, saying that most of the incidents are related to Russians and that they are unfairly lumped together.

Police officer: ‘They are almost always Russians’

A police officer in Bali’s Kuta town made a similar comment: “When we get reports of foreigners misbehaving, it’s almost always Russians,” the official told CNN. Tourists who bully or behave criminally always make headlines in Bali.

Why do the local authorities now want to set an example for the Russians and Ukrainians? “Because they are at war and that’s why they come here en masse,” Bali governor Wayan Koster (60) said at a media conference.

Ukraine’s honorary consulate in Bali said Ukrainians in the country are mostly women who are there for family reunification, not tourism, and they “don’t want to break the rules”.

Government advises claim

Bali is considered a popular travel destination due to Indonesia’s visa policy. Nationals of more than 80 countries can apply for a 30-day visa on arrival, which can be extended to 60 days. Some Ukrainians fleeing the war travel in and out of the country every 60 days to comply with regulations.

However, those who have such a visa are not allowed to work: the Indonesian authorities announced that several Russian tourists have been deported in recent months for overstaying their visas or working illegally.

The Indonesian government has not yet decided whether to exclude Russians and Ukrainians from the easy visa. The tourism ministry said the request is now under investigation. (Darling)

Source: Blick