Visa concerns for Australians living in Bali provide an unwanted reality check

More than 10,000 Australians are estimated to live in Bali all year, or for a substantial part of it. While many consider themselves to be permanent residents, they in fact have very little legal basis for this claim.

The visa challenge

The Indonesian government provides Australian nationals with a number of visa options to support their “visit” to Bali. These include:

• Tourist visa – valid for 30 days (or 60 days if arranged in selected countries within Asia);

• Business visa – valid for 60 days (or 12 months for a multiple-entry business visa);

• Employment visa – valid for one year and must be sponsored by an Indonesian-based company;

• Social-cultural visa – valid for 60 days and can be extended monthly to a maximum of six months. Visas must be sponsored by an Indonesian citizen;

• Family/dependent visa; and

• Retirement visa – valid for one year and can be extended each year for up to five years.

Beyond these visa options, there is little scope for Australian nationals to achieve permanent resident status. While there is a permanent residence permit, it is available only for a five-year period.

Australian expats have adopted a range of strategies for securing and renewing their short-term visas in order to live year-round in Bali. One significantly popular approach sees expats leave Bali for a short period – often a few days – before applying for a new visa upon re-entry. Longer-term members of the expat community have reportedly used this strategy for many years.

However, a recent decision by the Indonesian Immigration Office is set to present challenges to the widely practised visa renewal method. It may prevent many Australians from living “permanently” in Bali.

From October 20 until December 30, 2015, visitors to Indonesia – entering through Denpasar International Airport – will be denied entry if they have previously entered the country twice in less than one year and been issued a visa on arrival.

The directive from the Indonesian Immigration Office indicates that the action is in response to complaints from tourism organisations. The complaints primarily focus on the increasing number of expats working illegally in tourism businesses in Bali.

A translation of the directive specifically identifies that tourism organisations are concerned that expats have been working illegally as waiters, tour guides and scuba instructors, and also providing concierge services for tours and businesses.

This measure is targeted at curbing the number of foreigners working illegally in Bali. But Australians who “permanently” live in Bali could also be facing an unwanted reality check regarding their rights to enter – and even remain in – Bali.

Permanent residents or temporary visitors?

Indonesia’s shifting approach on immigration will force Australian expats who renew their visas through frequent travel to revisit their plans.

A recent survey of Australians living in Bali revealed that, from a sample of 185 people, 68% renewed their visas by regularly travelling out of Bali. Those who did not travel out of Bali typically held retirement or business visas, renewing them through a local agent.

The survey asked Australian expatriates why they had moved to, and how they felt about living in, Bali. People fundamentally made a conscious decision to move to Bali to achieve a lifestyle they felt would not be available to them in Australia.

The distinct characteristics of Bali’s natural and cultural environment were the major factors drawing people to it. The lower living and housing costs were also important in influencing decisions to move.

Importantly, participants in the study identified Bali as their primary home, where their social networks and activities were based and, in some cases, where they achieved their main income. Irrespective of the type of visa they held, many had invested in property and become engaged in community activities.

The population of Australians living in Bali continues to grow. However, the recent directive from the Indonesian Immigration Office serves as a reminder of the reality of their situation. Australian expats are not “permanent” residents of Indonesia. While they might consider Bali to be their home, they are only temporary visitors.

Amanda Davies does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.