
The ex-wife of Perth man Cameron Hughes, who died while detained in a Bali immigration cell, has asked his former automotive customers to "forgive him." Mr. Hughes was taken to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office on Friday, July 10, after allegedly breaching his visa conditions. He was found unresponsive in a bathroom within the detention center while awaiting deportation to Australia. Badung Police declared his death a suicide following an autopsy. According to the Daily Mail, Balinese police confirmed his ex-wife, Indah, had informed officials about his visa breach after their marriage ended in 2024. Mr. Hughes owned a car restoration company, Holden Resto, which closed in December and faced misconduct allegations, with a Facebook page dedicated to customers sharing "horror stories." Indah reportedly posted on Facebook, asking for forgiveness for any mistakes or wrongs he may have caused. Customers reportedly paid significant amounts for car restoration, with some cars remaining at his yard for over five years with little work done. Mr. Hughes reportedly denied scamming people but apologized in a message sent two days before his death, citing stress and health issues. His family has questioned the cause of death and is seeking more details from authorities, denying he failed to cooperate. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readBali Immigration has deported three foreign nationals for working while on visitor stay permits. The Singaraja Immigration Office identified the individuals as AKG, 48, an Indian citizen; RN, 44, a Singaporean citizen; and ST, 34, a Chinese citizen. AKG and RN were found conducting yoga classes in Buleleng Regency, while ST was installing production machinery and providing training at a factory in Karangasem Regency. Head of the Singaraja Immigration Office, Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra, stated that AKG and ST entered on Visas on Arrival VOAs, and RN used the Visit Visa-Free BVK facility. He clarified that both VOAs and BVKs are strictly for visiting purposes and do not permit work activities. Putra emphasized that all foreign nationals must comply with Indonesian immigration regulations, and increased supervision will continue. The deported individuals have been blacklisted from entering Indonesia. Immigration will collaborate with local governments, law enforcement, and the Foreign Nationals Monitoring Team to monitor foreign nationals, and the public is encouraged to report suspected violations. This action aligns with the Directorate General of Immigration's policy to ensure foreigners do not abuse immigration facilities or violate laws, with a focus on activities that involve work, service, promotion, or economic benefit, regardless of whether they are paid.
Must readJoseph and Rebecca Oxley, both 37, and their three children moved from Derbyshire, UK, to Bali in April 2026, after a cancer scare prompted them to pursue their dream of living abroad. The family sold their four-bedroom home for £390,000. In Bali, their monthly outgoings are £1,760, a significant reduction from the £4,543 they spent in the UK. This saving of £2,783 per month is largely due to lower housing costs; their private villa with a pool costs £600 per month in rent, compared to their previous £1,387 monthly mortgage. Food expenses are also lower, with a family meal out costing around £50 in Bali versus at least £100 in England. The family initially planned to travel through Southeast Asia before settling in Australia, but world events led them directly to Bali. They report a more relaxed lifestyle, with less stress about bills and a greater appreciation for a slower pace of life. Their children, aged 13, 11, and six, are also described as happier, learning the local language and culture, and making friends outside a traditional classroom setting. The family is currently enjoying their freedom in Bali, with Australia still a potential future destination.
Must readIndonesia's parliament has passed a bill to establish an international financial center, known as PFII, aimed at attracting foreign investment and accelerating economic growth. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the center is expected to draw foreign capital and sustainable portfolio investment to expand the national economy. The bill, passed unanimously, outlines the institutional framework and tax incentives for the financial center. It also includes provisions for an arbitration body and a special court to handle cases within the center. Bali was previously suggested as a potential site for this financial hub by the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs in May. President Prabowo Subianto has set an economic growth target of eight percent by 2029.