Choosing a reliable visa agent is not a formality but one of the key steps when planning a trip. Especially in Bali, where dozens of foreigners have faced severe consequences for trusting unsuitable intermediaries. A wrong choice cost them not only money but also freedom of movement, legal status, and sometimes peace of mind.
A scandal is brewing on the island: dozens of foreigners became victims of large-scale visa fraud. The affected individuals claim they handed their passports to agents, paid for visa processing — often $600 or more — but never received the documents. Moreover, the passports were given to the agency and, as it later turned out, never even made it to the immigration service.
The issue was reported at a press conference organized by the Forum for Relations with the Sons and Daughters of Retired Military and Police (FKPPI) together with the Bali Legal Aid Institute (LBH). The speakers included the chairman of LBH FKPPI Bali I Gede Sugianyar, lawyer Ida Ayu Dwi Maryati, and other representatives.
Sugianyar explained that most foreigners came to Bali with different purposes — from tourism to work or starting a business. But many did not even know what type of visa was issued, entirely relying on intermediaries. "Our clients do not understand how exactly visas should be issued. They just handed over their passports and money to the agent. As a result, the visas were not processed, and people ended up being in the country illegally," he noted.
It is estimated that around 100 people from different countries have been affected — yoga instructors, freelancers, musicians, entrepreneurs. Some were promised a work visa but received an investor's visa. Others were given documents with violations, resulting in delays and fines up to 200 million rupiahs (over $12,000) per person.
“I was assured everything was under control,” says musician George. “They said the passport was with the immigration service. But it turned out to be a lie. Now I have no passport, my visa is expired, and I fear deportation.”
The cost of "services" was about $600 per person, not counting fines. The total damage exceeded 3 billion rupiahs (around $190,000).
At the center of suspicion is an agent known by the initials MG or PT MGI, with offices in Ubud and Kerobokan. There is information about his connections in Jakarta. "The agent hid behind the name of the immigration service for extortion. We checked — the passports were never registered with immigration," Sugianyar stated.
Some victims also received threats — both verbal and electronic — demanding they do not contact the police. Despite this, civil and criminal lawsuits are being prepared.
Organizations are urging authorities and law enforcement to conduct an urgent investigation and tighten control over visa intermediaries to restore trust in Bali as an international tourist destination.
Collaborating with reputable companies will protect you from problems, unexpected expenses, and make your vacation calm and safe. BaliLive recommends the reliable agency Legal Indonesia.
Before signing a contract, make sure the agent is officially registered, and all payments go through transparent channels. This simple rule will save both money and nerves.
Source: jawapos
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