Australian deported from Bali for leading yoga retreat on tourist visa

Indonesian immigration authorities have deported Australian national PJ, 55, from Bali for working as a yoga and meditation instructor while on a Visa on Arrival VoA. The VoA does not permit employment. PJ entered Indonesia with a VoA valid until August 24, 2026. An investigation by the Singaraja Immigration Office found that he organized and led a seven-day retreat titled “7 Day Inner Growth” at Villa Boreh in Tejakula, Buleleng Regency, from July 27 to August 2, where he also served as a meditation instructor. Singaraja Immigration Office head Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra stated that all foreign nationals must use a visa and stay permit that matches their visit's purpose, and violations will be handled according to immigration laws. PJ's activities were deemed inconsistent with his stay permit, leading to deportation and a proposal to place him on Indonesia’s immigration blacklist, which would prevent his re-entry. This action falls under Indonesia's Immigration Law, which sanctions foreigners misusing stay permits or engaging in activities outside their visa's granted purpose. The Singaraja Immigration Office, overseeing Buleleng, Karangasem, and Jembrana regencies, continues to enforce immigration regulations and monitor foreign nationals' activities in collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and the Foreigners Supervision Team Timpora.