The policy of granting automatic visas to Russians and Ukrainians may be about to end. “They are at war, so they are stampeding here,” launched the governor of Bali.
Follow our live blog about the war in Ukraine here
It is known as a paradise on earth. With beaches and a welcoming climate, the island of Bali, Indonesia, is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world, especially sought after, in the last year, by thousands of people from Russia and Ukraine seeking to escape the war.
Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking civilians with explosive drones in Crimea
However, the migration wave may be about to hit a setback. The island authorities, in response to a series of incidents of misconduct and non-compliance with local laws, are preparing to take drastic measures: revoke the expedited visa policy for Russians and Ukrainians, thus preventing their automatic entry into the country.
The information was advanced by CNN International, which reflects the size of the migratory wave: in 2022, almost 60,000 Russians visited the territory of Southeast Asia (the second largest group of visitors, after Australians). And it is very likely that the number will be eclipsed this year: in January of this year alone, there were more than 22,500. If you add to these the more than 9,500 Ukrainian citizens who traveled to Indonesia in the last year of the war, one quickly realizes the magnitude of the migratory wave.
The high number of tourists has been helped so far by a Balinese policy of granting immediate visas to citizens of dozens of countries (including, so far, Russia and Ukraine), for a period of 30 days, with automatic renewal of more than 30 .
That could change very soon. Local authorities have already made it known their intention to suspend the automatic issuance of visas, and have pointed the finger at the various incidents of visitors trying to stay on the island beyond the allowed time, establishing businesses and residence without the corresponding permits. Several have even been deported. “Foreigners come to Bali but they behave like they are above the law”a local police officer complained to CNN International. “It has always been like this and it must, once and for all, stop.”
The decision was met with disbelief by Ukrainians in Bali, who pointed fingers at the Russians and blamed them for most of the incidents. Ukraine’s honorary consul on the island rejected the idea that Ukrainians were fleeing the invasion and stressed that the citizens currently on the island are not trying to circumvent the rules.
“Ukrainians are not coming to Bali for vacation right now because the country is being invaded. (…) We reaffirm that Ukrainians in Bali do not want to violate the rules and regulations. [da ilha]“Consulate spokesman Nyoman Astama told CNN International. The Russian embassy has yet to comment on the policy change.
The problems with tourists on the Indonesian island are not new. On the contrary, visitors to the island, from various countries, regularly make the news for the worst reasons, with various examples of disorderly conduct and disrespect for local laws and culture.
With this measure, the authorities seem to want Ukrainians and Russians to serve as an example to other tourists. “Why these two countries? Because they are at war, they are flocking here,” Bali Governor Wayan Koster told a news conference this week.
How Indonesia’s ban on sex outside of marriage could affect tourism
Source: Observadora
